‘Beautiful chaos’: AFL wives and mums Mikalya Crisp and Brit Selwood share reflections on motherhood

As parents to young kids, Mikalya Crisp and Brit Selwood know how crazy motherhood is. Read their heartfelt Mother’s Day letters to their own mums.

Brit Selwood with baby Alfie. Picture: Jason Edwards

Mikayla Crisp is still a young mum at heart with three daughters under seven.

She and husband, Collingwood star Jack Crisp, try to make life as fun as possible.

“They’ve definitely got their father’s energy,’’ Mikayla said.

“I was 22 when I had Lilah and it’s been the best thing having kids. We make a great team and we keep things lighthearted and just have a lot of fun.”

The Crisps share daughters Lilah, 7, Sloane, 5 and Murphy, 20 months.

Mikayla says there’s not much down time but savours each day, knowing the years will go by fast.

For Mother’s Day she did a special photo shoot with her children at a Zenn Design event.

“Aside from all the beautiful cuddles and giggles that I wish I could bottle up and keep forever, one of the best parts is seeing the world through your children’s eyes,’’ she said. “Watching them see and experience things for the first time with such curiosity, innocence and excitement is the biggest privilege. It really is so special.

“Jack is such a hands-on father and I don’t ever have to ask him for help. He does what needs to be done and is amazing.”

Mikayla Crisp with her daughters and her mum Tracy Picture: Supplied

Crisp just passed the record for most consecutive games played, with Mikayla recalling a close call in 2023 when Collingwood won the premiership.

“I was due around the time but I held on longer and there was no way I would ever let him miss, no question at all,’’ she said.

Note from Mikayla to her mum Tracey:

“I’ve always said if I could be half the mum she is I’m so happy with that. I don’t think I could ever put into words how much I love and appreciate my mum. I’m so lucky to be able to say that. She’s everything. I’m so grateful for her.

“Having your own kids just highlights how incredible mothers are and makes you appreciate them so much more. I’m very lucky to have a beautiful relationship with my mum and I consider her to be one of my best friends as well. She’s called ‘nene’ to my kids and they just adore her. She always said to me kids come into your life, you don’t stop living and you take them on the ride with you. They are such happy and easygoing kids because of that. I’ve got two brothers and a sister and we’re a really tight family.”

Brit Selwood and her mum Wendy

For Brit Selwood, becoming a mum has made life complete.

After giving birth to two boys, Joey, 2, and Alfie, seven months, she says the joy in parenthood is ever constant with husband, Geelong legend Joel Selwood.

“It is a beautiful chaos, it’s honestly the best gift in the world,’’ Brit said.

“It’s not a job, it’s honestly changed my life and I couldn’t be happier being a mum to two gorgeous boys. I do feel so lucky to be a mum.”

She added: “I could have 20 kids. I said that to Joel, I don’t know if I’ll ever be done. I just love it and I love being pregnant.”

As she celebrates another Mother’s Day, with breakfast and some special moments at Crown Melbourne, Selwood reflects with gratitude.

The couple used IVF treatment to fall pregnant.

“We did go through a lot and it’s made us both so grateful,’’ Brit said.

“We always say to each other that we absolutely love being parents. It’s our joy in life and it puts everything into perspective. You still have to look after yourself, but you’re looking after two little people and trying your best to make them happy and healthy. Joel is very hands-on and we share it so well.

“Now the boys are so close in age which is just gorgeous. I put them together on the couch and they’re just like twins.”

Selwood says the brotherly love between the boys is adorable and has also provided some comfort since February and the devastation of losing Joel’s brother Troy.

For Brit Selwood, becoming a mum has made life complete. Picture: Jason Edwards

“We’ve had a rough couple of months and he says to us, home is his happy place,’’ Brit said.

“Seeing the boys and what life is about, they’ve been a real comfort to him and he has to focus just on them and looking after them and being there because they do require a lot of your time and energy. He’s still grieving and it’s something no one should have to go through.

They bring so much joy to us.”

Note from Brit to her mum Wendy:

“Mother’s Day puts everything into perspective. You see what your mum did for you and you’re so grateful for everything and realise you need a tribe to bring up kids. You see what your parents sacrificed because you know what you’re doing now, you’re going through it yourself. Also one thing I always think about is they are little for such a short time. I look at my relationship with my mum now and you don’t get to spend much time with them anymore. Every day I try to spend so much time with the boys because they’re not little for long. I just try and cherish all those memories.

“I talk to my mum often. They’re about two hours away and they’ll come down a lot to see us. I learnt from her just to be in the moment with the kids and be there for every little milestone. Mum was always running events or my netball games, she was always there and I knew she was going to be around and pick me up from things. Alfie is a mama’s boy and Joey is a daddy’s boy. Joey will give everything a go but I think Alfie’s going to be really athletic. He’s very strong willed.”

Originally published as ‘Beautiful chaos’: AFL wives and mums Mikalya Crisp and Brit Selwood share reflections on motherhood