While many people would find the demands of international sport very stressful, for Silver Fern netballer Tania Dalton it is a welcome break away from the trials of daily life.
Dalton says there is "never a dull moment" juggling motherhood and netball, with the sport giving her balance and making
her a better mum to Tayla, five, and Charlie, one.
"I'm not the typical stay-at-home mum, I'm always wanting to do something -- netball is my out," she tells NZPA.
While the pressures of playing for New Zealand are constant, and the schedule hectic, she is loving being back in the game.
And she has found being in camp with the Silver Ferns -- away from her children -- has its upsides.
There is down time, a rarity in her normal life as a mother.
"It's great to be able to sit back. I've even watched a movie, and read my book," she says.
Getting organised for the day is also a breeze.
"It is much easier getting ready. There are no nappies or snacks to pack. You realise how much time you have prior to having kids."
But she does admit she misses her family time.
"The first couple of days it is nice to hang out with the girls, but by day three or four I'm starting to miss [my children]," she says.
Her children are very easy going, she says.
In fact, Tayla -- who has just started school -- is enjoying her mum's fame, telling Dalton the other day that "my teachers know who you are".
Dalton is not alone in the Silver Ferns motherhood stakes, with Temepara George, Julie Seymour and Irene van Dyk all proud parents.
The squad has eight children between them, ranging in ages from one to 11. The average age of the Silver Ferns is 26, showing the years of experience within the squad.
At one end of the spectrum is Seymour, 35, and Dalton who turns 35 next month, with schoolgirl Paula Griffin the youngest at just 18.
WHAT: 2nd test, Silver Ferns v Australia
WHERE: Westpac Events Centre, Christchurch
WHEN: 8pm tonight
- NZPA
