As a newcomer to the world of blogging, I have discovered a supportive community of mothers, all willing to share and support each other through their parenting dilemmas and all manner of highs and lows. Some do it with beautifully crafted prose, others through brilliant humour and some take the form of a daily journal.
With genuine goodwill and refreshing honesty, they offer insights into their personal experiences of motherhood. Within parenting, they are each unique and occupy their own particular niche. They may focus on special needs, practical advice, recipes and crafts, or simply how they are coping with the daily challenges of parenting. Every blog is different with a special personality and writing style shining through. Together they create a huge body of experience with testaments from mothers all over the world.
Blogging is accessible to everyone, and online platforms such as Word Press make it very easy for those who are new to it all. They offer free online tutorials and great support forums. For a small fee of around €24 you can purchase a domain name for the year (www.myfantasticblog.com). You can name your blog after almost anything you like, although a reference to what your blog is about is usually best, or like many, you can choose to keep it anonymous.
As a (relatively!) young mother, I gain much reassurance from the blogs of experienced mothers and even grandmothers who have been there and done it all before. Here are just of a few of my favourite and most inspiring blogs which I currently follow and a few details on my own blog.
My Thoughts on a Page
I am an avid follower of Tric Kearney, an Irish mother of four. Tric, a very active and award-winning blogger, has gained much interest as she naturally possesses the gift of story-telling. Her honest and thoughtful words draw varying emotions from her readers as she records her daily thoughts and often asks philosophical questions about the ‘bigger’ picture. One day you may share her tears, the next, join her in roars of laughter, or perhaps reflect and appreciate all that you have.
Space Monkey Twins
www.spacemonkeytwins.wordpress.com
‘And adventures with Sparrow and Pigeon’ is written by ‘Sparrow’, mum to 8-month-old twin girls, a writer and illustrator, living in an apartment in Brooklyn. Sparrow gives light-hearted and tenderly written insights and observations of her life as a new mum. She indulges her readers with her own beautiful illustrations of her twins, where she perfectly captures a fleeting mood or moment of her babies’ development.
Hurrah for Gin
Katie, mum to two little boys, is a digital strategist living in Brighton. Hurrah for Gin takes a tongue-in-cheek approach and gives some light relief from the pressures of parenting. With her hilarious, anecdotal tales, Katie gives us her guilt-free take on motherhood as she laughs her way through problems and appreciates what she calls ‘the ordinary moments’. Look out for ‘The post-Christmas Devil Child’ – a hilarious post, I feel most parents can identify with!
Menimese Creare
Drew is an impassioned writer in every sense, drawing on various creative media such as thought-provoking poetry, scholarly quotes and recently, her own photographic images to deal with moments of inner turmoil, reflect on her life’s journey and also share experiences from her childhood. Drew is a mother, grandmother and former foster mother, continually striving to perfect and refine her writing style and find her voice while inspiring and connecting with her audience.
Words Thoughts Feelings
www.tdawneightyone.wordpress.com
T.Dawn is mum to a baby boy and 4-year-old girl. In her blog she deals with a spectrum of issues, ranging from toddler tantrums, the post-partum female form, depression and how she is recovering from abuse she experienced in childhood. With an unapologetic honesty, she describes her daily emotions as she battles with some old problems. Occasionally melancholic and more often humorous, this blogger appreciates laughter is the best medicine.
Put the Kettle On
http://www.oliviafitzgerald.net
Last and definitely least! I am a new blogger and freelance writer. I use my blog ‘Put the Kettle On’ to share my experiences as a mum of 4-year-old boy and girl twins, to record poignant moments, both happy and sad, to promote my writing career; and of course for some free therapy..hearing feedback from other mums who can identify with me feels fantastic.
Originally published in Mums and Tots Spring issue, 2014.
Photocredit: Freedigitalphotos.net
Categories: Articles, Mummy time
10 Sure Signs I’m a Belfast Mammy 
Put the Kettle On 
I’m quite flattered you chose to put me and my little blog on that list. It feels great to be included in a group of such talented women. I already follow most of the others and am looking forward to checking out the ones I don’t. Again, thank you, for following me along and the insights in to your own slice of Motherhood. ~Dawn
Hey! I’m so sorry, I thought I gad responded to this msg already!
You’re so welcome. You’re so brave, saying what you think in your blog, usually what the rest of us are thinking and are too scared to share. ;))
Thanks so much for the mention Olivia. Delighted. I’ll have to write something decent in case anyone calls by to check me out! 🙂
Ha Ha! You’re far too humble Tric! I know you mentioned some amazing blogs to me, but in the end I didn’t have time to get a feel for them and I had to stick with the ones I already love. There are too many great blogs out there to keep track of :o)
Hooray!!! Thank you so much for mentioning me and for your kind words!! Looking forward to reading these other blogs, too!
Thanks Sparrow! You’re very welcome. I love how relaxed and upbeat your blog is. Hearing all about the babies’ development is fascinating too. :o)
Thanks so much for the mention lovely – i’m really touched! Looking forward to checking out some of the others too 😉
You’re so welcome. Your blog is a breath of fresh air and just what I need whenever I get bogged down from the pressures of parenting :0)
I love Tric’s blog too 🙂 xx lovely post
Thank you! She really gets me thinking. Hope she never gives it up! :o)
Wow! I am completely blown away young lady. Thank you so much for trying to build me up. That is so sweet of you. Hugs to you and your little darlings, too.
Lol! Everything I wrote was true. I wasn’t sure if you’d seen it yet. Hope you and your daughter are doing doing well. Big hugs!
What a great idea to share some of your favorite bloggers! I love finding good bloggers and look forward to checking these out! . . . I already love yours of course!! 🙂
Ahh.. Thanks for reading my wee blog. I wrote this for an Irish magazine I write for, Mums and Tots and i’ve gotten to know these bloggers quite well now. They’re all very sweet and worth checking out. :o)