Katrina Hendry
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Katrina Hendry
What is your name, age, where do you live and how long have you lived in Madrid?
Katrina Hendry, I’m 39 and I live in the Pacifico area of Madrid and we have been here about 18 months now.
Do you work, and if so what do you do?
I’m a fulltime mum but I also teach a few private classes
What nationality are you and your partner?
I’m Australian, and my partner is British
How many children do you have and what are their names and ages?
We have 3 children, Isabelle 3. Jean Louis 2. And Carmen 4 months
What was your experience of having a baby in Madrid?
Carmen was born in Madrid at the Clinica Belen Madrid,(Belle and Louis were born in Australia) I was very happy with my obstetrician, but the whole experience is different to Australia. I am impressed with the quality of hospitals here… but the patient care is very different to home i.e. stirrups, patient disempowerment, father not present for c-section, and limited input allowed by mothers into decisions impacting your baby. In Madrid, a private hospital is more affordable than in Australia…no gap fee. Testing during pregnancy was very thorough, it would appear more so than Australia. Fortunately as this was my third child I felt more in control of making my own decisions regarding breastfeeding etc…I didn’t need a lot of support for this.
How did you find the process of relocating to Madrid with your children
This was a challenge as we did not have a relocation consultant. On rental experience; Time consuming, expensive deposit system. On finding schools: confusing, time consuming experience…get help for this. You will need it!
How well integrated would you say you and your children are?
Not very. It is difficult to integrate and make Spanish friends as they rely so much on their family for social interaction. Most or nearly all my friends are expats. Some have Spanish partners.
What language do you speak to your children?
I speak English and my partner speaks French to the children
What has your impression been of childcare and education in Madrid so far?
Again, childcare is different to Oz. More structured. The timetable option is 5 days a week which is geared towards fulltime working families. Belle’s school is a state school (NTRA. SRA. DE LA ALMUDENA) and she has a wonderful teacher- Marisa. Marisa is professional yet very approachable and warms with the kiddies She shows an interest in the indivual child. The school may look like an uninviting concrete environment but her teacher makes up for every bit of it!
Why did you choose that school?
It was the only option. Missed out on other options due to late enrollment process…it is also very confusing!
How do you rate the amenities available for parents and children in Madrid?
On the positive aspects. Safe outdoor spaces for kids. You can take them everywhere without disapproval. The negative, it is difficult to use public transport with 3 kids, due to limited number of lifts into Metro stations, buses only allow one pram at a time, and driving around this city is a challenge!
Where you live, how good are facilities for children (shops, restaurants, activities etc)?
The Retiro park is fantastic!!! We use it lots. Plus we have Sticky fingers playgroup nearby. There are lots of supermarkets, metros and parks all within walking distance. But very few places have baby changing facilities or baby feeding rooms.
What do you think are the main advantages and disadvantages of being a parent from the International Community living in Madrid?
The advantages are you meet lots of people and develop a more intimate relationship as they become your very close friends and surrogate family.
What do you wish you had been told before you came to Madrid?
A relocation agency would have saved a lot of worry over the rental process and the school enrollment process
What advice would you give for anyone having a baby or thinking of relocating to Madrid with children?
It isn’t home so have an open mind and enjoy your new bub. When things seem difficult or worse than home remember that some things are better, i.e., quality of the hospitals, thorough testing, etc.
What couldn’t you live without in Madrid?
The parks…due to apartment living, the sun and the good friends I’ve met.
What could you live without?
The crazy driving, smoking, and noise late at night!
