During these times of uncertainty, it’s important to remember the power of our own community in Botswana. What makes our country special? That’s why we asked some women to share their best experiences about raising a family in Botswana. As well as share some gems of wisdom and inspiration.
Samantha Mogwe
Samantha is an all-around influencer who loves radio, live performances and fitness.
The best thing about raising a family in Botswana.
There is still a sense of community. This means that raising kids is a shared responsibility, especially for single mothers who often need assistance here and there. You can always rely on a grandparent, uncle or aunt, and even friends and neighbours who are fully invested in the best when it comes to the upbringing of your child.
Gems Of Wisdom
You are enough. It’s quite normal to begin to question if you are a good enough mother, especially in an era where we have tonnes of other responsibilities and pressures to not only be great mums but to also be great partners, great business people, great fitness enthusiasts, great cooks and look like we have it all together. YOU ARE ENOUGH!!!
Check her out @samanthamogwe
Omphile Sharon
Enthusiastic naturalista, writer and poet who loves to travel.
The best thing about raising a family in Botswana.
I would say that as parents, we are always bombarded to have it ‘all’ together. Whatever ‘all’ is. This is not true. You have to show up and be you.
I think the best thing about raising kids in Botswana is the family support is amazing. You can always count on this.
In Bots, social morals are not that far gone. There is an opportunity to raise your children in a good, clean environment. Lastly, playing in the outdoors is still the norm. Where there’s lots of fun to be had rather than indoors hampered with technology all the time.
My tips for mums:
- Know when to ask for help
- Count to 10 before disciplining your child
- Self-care is important. Take that extra 10 minutes to soak in the bathtub. Do that 2km run. Read an extra chapter of your favourite book, and watch one of your favourite series.
- Hug, kiss and tell your kids how much you love them. Our society has some angry people in it. Teach your children to love.
- Don’t be judgmental with other mothers, sometimes they are doing the best they can. Rather advise with love.
Priyanka Handa Ram
Priyanka is the founder of Raising Education Within Africa (REWA). She’s a lover of nature, a children’s books author and develops early childhood programs.
The best thing about raising a family in Botswana.
My favourite thing about being a family in Botswana is how much time we spend outdoors, and how many opportunities we have as a family to connect with nature. Our Gabs community is incredibly supportive, fun and kind.
Gems Of Wisdom
Make a conscious effort to be a part of it and you will truly feel the African saying come alive, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’.
Wada Kealotswe
Family orientated and loves God, enjoys sharing her experiences through writing.
The best thing about raising a family in Botswana.
Botswana is a beautiful country, rich in the cultural value of Botho. This cultural value is focused on fostering the principle of good relations and a high level of honour and respect between people. Families teach this to their children from a young age. I was able to teach my son the essence of Botho through greeting other people, appreciating others by saying thank you, as well as apologizing by saying sorry.
I’ve experienced the joy of motherhood, right from the time I was expecting until the time I gave birth to my son. I had different options of health care to choose from; government health care, private health care as well as anti-natal classes and a baby hamper made available by my medical aid provider.
Family members and friends were very supportive, especially after giving birth. My parents stayed with me to help with the baby for two months. As a first time mum, this was very helpful. My friends organised themselves and bought gifts for my son. When I had to go back to work while my baby was still an infant, I had good options to choose from when looking for a nanny. Through referrals from friends and family or through local Nanny agencies.
Gems Of Wisdom
Motherhood is a precious journey where one gets to learn so much through raising children. Children need patience and love. One has to make sure that they are in the right space to be able to extend love and patience, despite the challenges that we go through as adults. We are raising a different generation from ours. With so much technology around, parents need to watch what their children consume.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about what mothers in Botswana really think. Please let us know what YOU think makes our special country such a great place to bring up children.
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