Why Do People Attack Mommy Bloggers?
Why can’t everyone just play nice?
I used to have a mommy blog. You may have heard of it. Just kidding, nobody read it. My blog had no direction. One day, I’d share a delightful cookie recipe and the next day, I’d post a list of the best places to buy crack in each state.
I dutifully researched the blogging lifestyle to learn the ins and outs, like the #bossbabe that I am. Guest blogging. Monetization. Linking to socials. Design. Content.
My research led me down a peculiar and disturbing rabbit hole where I discovered a whole new genre of prejudice.
People absolutely hate mom bloggers.
Shocked, appalled — and actually kind of sad — to read the extent of mom blogger bashing on the internet, I grew defensive.
Leave mom bloggers alone. I mean, seriously.
I survived those tediously boring stay-at-home-mom days by reading mom blogs. In the teeny pockets of time between naps and feedings, or just stealing a quiet moment while the boys were occupied, mom blogs were the perfect escape.
I’m not saying that all mom blogs discuss ground-breaking issues or are life-changing in any way. But, some woman out there — some mom out there — took the time to write it. She found the courage to share it.
If you don’t like it or need something more intellectual, don’t read it. But please don’t belittle it.
Mom blogs are funny.
Mom blogs are poignant.
Mom blogs are messy.
Mom blogs are relatable.
Whether you work full-time, part-time, stay at home, have a husband, have a wife, do it alone, or have friggin’ sister wives. . . the truth of the matter is that motherhood is hard.
In this Trump era of females uniting to prove that we are more than just pussies to be grabbed, I have felt like a part of something big — a part of a sisterhood of women who support any career, sexual partner, religion, race or the simple choice to have a mom blog.
In an interview with a female editor of a large parenting website:
- She explained how her readership is a wide demographic of smart women.
- She dwelled on the importance of the female voice and experience.
- Her interview made me want to check out her website and devour every word.
But then, then she bashed the mom bloggers.
I’m not saying that she should accept submissions on “10 Ways to Potty Train Without Chardonnay,” but why the dig? Your platform doesn’t support light, breezy motherhood pieces. I get it. And I’m totally cool with it.
I have stumbled upon really well-written mom blogs that have pulled at my heartstrings and prompted me to immediately subscribe.
Others have made me smile, but are otherwise forgettable.
Either way, the post was important to the writer — to the woman — who wrote it. She put something else aside, a load of laundry, a cooked meal, a dirty sink, a deadline, to write her story.
You can like it. You can hate it. Just be respectful and let her speak.
As Hilary Clinton said, “. . . one of the most important pieces of unfinished business in human history — empowering women to be able to stand up for themselves.”
Mom blogs are giving a voice to a demographic of women who otherwise might not be heard, whether they’re writing about episiotomies, playdates or running for office.
Preach ladies, preach. I’m listening.
Thank you for reading. Obligatory newsletter sign-up prompt here. I won’t bombard you. Pinky promise. Just a round up of my latest pieces sent to you from time to time.
Hey, I’m Emme L. Beckett, a former speech/grant writer turned mommy blogger turned essayist, and an occasional humorist. I can be reached at [email protected].
