When I set up this blog I chose to call it the “Mummy Bloggers Blog” because that is the category all parent bloggers are put in. It’s not however the category that we all identify with. Perhaps a more apt name would have been “Mums who Blog” or “Parents who Blog”? Either way it begs the question, what is a Mummy Blogger?
This is my definition:
A Mummy Blogger is a Mum who blogs. She may write about parenting or she may write about fashion, food, work or craft. She writes about the the topic/s she is passionate about and often that includes parenting her children. Some bloggers have a very specific and obvious niche, most don’t. That she writes about parenting doesn’t limit her interests to that field, or define her. Most Mums who blog write as a way to find or maintain their sense of identity as they balance family life, work and personal interests.
Mummy Bloggers, like most bloggers, find community through the social networking tools of twitter, Facebook and groups like Aussie Mummy Bloggers, British Mummy Bloggers, Mom Bloggers Club, In The Powder Room. There are thousands of us online, not all in one place.
Mums who blog recognise that the term “Mummy Blogger” has been coined to describe the niche and so they accept it, however many don’t like to identify primarily as “Mummy Bloggers”. In fact, there is a prevailing uncomfortableness, particularly amongst Australian mums who blog, about the implications of the term.
Just because she is a Mum who blogs and writes about her family, doesn’t mean she’ll be interested in laundry powder.
–
That’s my definition. What’s yours? How do you feel about being a Mummy Blogger, is there a term you’d prefer?
You might also be interested to read Zoey Martin’s post Are You A Mummy Blogger?
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m uncomfortable with ‘mummy’ blogger, partly because I’m 46, I have 2 grand-children, as well as two primary-aged kids at home.
I feel like the odd one out most of the time.
I don’t even read a lot of mummy blogs, because any comments I made would most likely be well-meaning advice and I’d be like that annoying elderly neighbour who tells you to put a hat on that child or not feed them so much sugar.
Although I blog about the kids occasionally, I don’t write about parenting them often. Mostly it’s funny things they say or whatever.
I call myself a ‘life’ blogger.
Thanks for your article Louisa. Just a thought. Why don’t we own the Mummy Blogger title. Why don’t we define it exactly the way we want – loud and proud. Why does it have to be a demeaning title? Is it because we don’t value our situation/words/wisdom enough? Or because we think others don’t value it? I agree that family life is everything – and not just washing powder – but why can’t Mummy Blogger be a badge of honour that brings mums who blog together but doesn’t limit us to the small stuff of life. Just a thought!
I like what Jodie said above! I have no qualms with being a Mummy Blogger. (And we do use rather a lot of washing powder here too – with three kids, the dear one and myself all producing washing on a daily basis!!) My blog is mainly about mummy stuff thou – I don’t tend to delve into other life areas very much as I don’t feel I have much to draw on outside mummy life that would be of interest – at this point in time. Do you think perhaps it’s just a throw back to when being a mummy was just about housework and caring. These days mummies do so much more – even the SAHMs. Look at the business and website SAHM are establishing and the working achievements of working mums. We are a true quality bunch with much to offer. I embrace being a mummy blogger . And Toni if you pop back I love advice from more mature mums and grandparents. You are welcome to comment on my blog anytime – I’d love your feedback
When I first started blogging I didn’t even know what a Mummy Blogger was. I started blogging for myself, to get stuff out of my head and to connect with other people who may have something to contribute to my then situation.
I eventually discovered other people who blogged, mainly about self-development, their own personal issues, etc. It was much later than I found the Australian blogging community, which does mostly seem to consist of mummy bloggers, except that I don’t really know what that is supposed to mean.
I am a mother and I blog. I don’t blog much about my kids, my blog is not a “funny mummy” kind of blog. I blog about what goes on in my head and frankly, as we all know, once you become a mum, there is no going back. Everything in my life is influenced by the fact that I’m a parent, so even when I’m not writing about parenting I can’t help being a parent.
I am beginning to see that the “so called” mummy bloggers are becoming a force to be reckoned with and perhaps using that term to describe such a diverse group of bloggers is a way to try and diminish them by other, more established, institutions. Because, to me, the term “Mummy Blogger” is quite condescending. But then, I also believe that we, as a society, do not value parenting, child rearing, home making, as much as we value money making and “fame”.
I’ve been meaning to write a post about this actually, I think I just started..
Lots of food for thought. I’m a mum who blogs but I didn’t start blogging because I’m a mum. I don’t write about parenting. I write about fashion and beauty – but more geared towards a mum demographic – because that’s where my headspace is. I am very happy to be part of the Mummy Blogging network as I’ve already met some wonderful friends through this – and I know after this weekend I’ll have met even more.
I resonate with Toni. I am 50, a mother and I blog. I don’t see myself as a Mommy Blogger! I too write about Life in General, A Journey! and everything inbetween. I enjoyed your post as it makes us think! What are we?
I am not a “Mummy Blogger” but the genre fascinates me and influences me a great deal. I think it is interesting term, because while some women truly are mummy bloggers, others are women who are mother’s who happen to blog… but I digress….. thank you for sharing!
I’m not offended by the term. On another club/site I saw a forum comment that a person said she was NOT a mum blogger. And I thought how ironic because she blogs and she’s a mum. Obviously she can define herself anyway she wants. It was mum bloggers who created this whole industry that has exploded and created at-home work and a 2nd income (or 1st!) for thousands of families. I think your own blog is what you make it. I see the general umbrella is mummy blogger and then under that you can choose to do photo-blogs, article writing, contests, or whatever niche. But because I choose not to do contests, I don’t condemn those who do, it’s just not my thing. And if someone writes about a new and fantastic laundry powder, I’m all ears. I’m also all ears about business, tech and philosophy. Great post!
I got into this because I was writing a newspaper column about being a mum, so I’m more than happy to wear the mummy blogger title. However, my blog is a balance of what I do as a mum and what I do outside mummyhood (with more plans on this to come). I agree with Jodie, in that it should be up to us to determine what we want it to mean.
Great post!
You nailed it! I wrote a post awhile ago about how bloggers are told to chose a genre and stick with it. I don’t agree with that philosophy AT ALL. As you stated, Mommy Bloggers are far too expansive to fit in a box. We are women and by that very statement, we represent many roles to many people. Kudos to you!
My Post: What’s your Blog Niche http://grownupforeal.com/2011/02/24/whats-your-blog-niche/