The seventh World Mama of 2017 is from South Africa! I am so excited for you to get to know her. Today Teri-Jane is giving us a bit of insight in what it is like to be a mother in South Africa. I can relate to a lot of what she writes: it sounds a lot like being a mom in Curacao, where I grew up. So without further ado, meet this mama and her beautiful daughter Skylar!
We are a mommy and daughter duo taking on this thing we call life, one day at a time, an honest, authentic account of motherhood from myself the mama,Teri-Jane Row. My daughter Skylar’s life is captured through my lens, where I give my insight into parenting, lifestyle and community. The world of social media gives you a glimpse into the lives of many other moms around the world, seeing a slice of how they do this thing called parenthood.
When I started my journey as a blogger, it was important to me to represent myself as a mother based in South Africa. I love my country and proud to be African and bring my child up in this country and great cotenant.
What it’s like to be a Mom in South Africa
Majority of moms in SA HAVE to work – due to our social economics, there are also a lot of households where moms are the sole parent and bread winner. These mamas have to leave their children with caregivers and at day-care. Our country is a one of stark contrasts, from the very poor to the elite. Struggling moms leave their children in daycare scenarios that are less than perfect or send them away during the week to stay with family. Mamas who earn more have live in ‘nannys’ to look after their little ones and so many caring options in between.
Health care – is great for some, majority not, many children and moms do not have access to the best health care. HIV/AIDS is prevalent and this becomes part of early education for children and also results in many single parent homes, or children being brought up be a relative or by welfare.
Crime – is an ever looming factor when bringing up your children. From not leaving older children at home alone. Where to place your car chair in case you are high-jacked is a real conversation you have.
Limited products – we don’t have shelves and shelves of different baby brand products – therefore the prices of nappies/diapers is horrendous. Less competition means higher prices.
Domestic Helpers -Middle income and upwards have the privilege of having the help of domestic workers/maids, who without them, many South African homes would fall into disrepair. It is not uncommon for these angel ladies to work 5/6 days a week, and stay on the property. This makes life a whole lot easier for moms.
I am sure I have left out a lot of things about being an SA mom – please comment below and I will add them in.
Want to get to know more World Mamas? Read this post!
Why South Africa is a cool place to bring up your children
Outdoor space – we have a lot of it. Even children who grow up within our cities have the privilege of many parks, trees to climb and beaches to run on.
Diversity – our children are privileged to grow up in a country with so many cultures. They see so many variations of human kind, that they are educated to love and respect each other. Over the festive season I got to chat to a SA born child now living in the USA. She is in high school, her peers could not believe she was from South Africa, she was white? She could also count on her hands how many kids in her school were African-American or Hispanic. They had no exposure to many cultures and therefore were ignorant.
Creativity – the arts and culture is alive in our country that means there are so many local businesses for us to support and opportunities for our children to explore their creative sides.
Bucket list status – South Africa and coming on a safari to “Africa” is on many a travellers wish list. We get to live here….
Love,
Teri-Jane
Want to read more from Teri-Jane? Check out her blog Choosearow. She also has a beautiful Instagram feed – with so many adorable Skylar pics! And don’t forget to follow her on Twitter while you are at it!