Global Honey Caroline Henderson talks about Life in Johannesburg
Sitting pretty yet wondering about what life is like as a mum abroad? Yeah, we get that grass-is-always-greener feeling too. HoneyKids takes a look around the world at inspirational mums’ lives, and shares their stories in our monthly feature on motherhood around the globe. Today, we chat with Caroline Henderson about her life in Johannesburg by way of The Big Apple.
Hello, Caroline! Tell us about yourself and your family.
I’m mom to two amazing little toddlers under 5. In the past six years we’ve moved country four times which included Singapore, New York, London and we’re now almost into our 5th month in South Africa. Aside from being a mom, keen baker, knitter and cook, I am an artist, writer and illustrator and run my own business, Little Prints William, which specializes in creating unique hand-painted nursery and children’s wall art.
What are the 5 things you miss about parenting in Singapore?
The Convenience: Singapore has efficient, reliable and clean public transport, a shopping mall just around every corner, a variety of cheap local food, and the availability of having live-in help makes it very easy to parent there.
The Climate: Despite the heat and stickiness, I miss the Singapore climate. At least you knew everyday what the weather was going to be like. After leaving, I soon missed the ease of waking up everyday, throwing on a couple of onesies and heading outside. I miss being able to swim every day.
The Safety: I miss being able to leave the kids to run up and down the Singapore River or around the Botanical Gardens without having to keep turning my head to see if they’re still there. I miss the safety of walking to dinner at night and being able to send the kids to the park or river with my helper and not worry about kidnappings, theft or hijackings.
The Variety: Singapore has so much variety when shopping for baby products. South Africa is years behind and the availability of good (US/ UK made) baby products is limited and if available, expensive.
My friends: I miss the ‘expat’ culture; parenting is so much easier when you’ve got a support network around you. Being away from family on an expat assignment, friends play such an important role in Singapore. I had the most amazing group of friends who I could count on for anything and everyday was full of fun and activity.
What are the 5 things you love about parenting in South Africa?
The Climate: Winters are mild, the sun shines almost always, and the Summer heat is dry (frizzy hair is a thing of the past!)
The Opportunity to explore: If we pop in the car we’re only a short drive to a game farm, mountain range, beach or nature reserve. There are endless day trips you can take that don’t involve border crossings or flying.
The Realness (?): In Singapore I never felt ‘at home’. Here in South Africa we own our house, we have a massive garden and pool the kids can play in, and we now own two puppies. Although we’re still expats, we feel like locals.
Schooling: Schools here in South Africa are excellent and inexpensive in comparison to most other ‘expat’ countries.
Cheap and reliable domestic help: Much like Singapore, domestic help in South Africa is available and very affordable. I am very lucky to have an amazing helper who lives with us.
From these two different cities, what’s the biggest difference in your daily life?
Because of size and safety concerns, there is little opportunity to walk anywhere in Johannesburg and socialize. We drive everywhere. I used to think driving to play dates on the East Coast was far from our home in Robertson Quay, whereas here it’s normal to drive 30-45 minutes to see someone. There are no last minute play dates to the river and no impromptu wine evenings to Robertson Quay.
What are the hardest things about being a mum?
Keeping up with the never-ending demands that life, work, and kids bring and always believing that whatever you’re doing is the right and best thing for you and your family.
What do you love the most about being a Mum?
Absolutely everything.
Thanks for chatting with us, Caroline!
Image credits: Caroline Henderson