Grasshopper New Media Presents...

In a few weeks, some of the most fantastic Moms from around the World will gather in Chicago for the now famous and highly sought-after BlogHer Conference.

In the age of personalized and customized media, a lot of attention is being paid to “Mom Blogs”. References to them are becoming more and more common. In print, on television and obviously, on the internet. For a long time I think Mom Blogs were considered fringe and insignificant in the blogging world. That they are getting more positive recognition is, naturally, important to me. I think those who tend to be on the nay side of this blogging sect are so because they don’t understand it. They think, “Why does a woman want to spend her time blogging about her life as a Mom?” and more importantly “Who wants to read it?”.

Every Mom who blogs has her reasons why she does it. To me, parenting is one of the most frustrating, rewarding and yes, funny things that I have ever done. In the ten years since I had my first child I have done and said things I thought I would never say. I’ve been so tired that I’ve put milk in the dishwasher and dirty dishes in the fridge. I’ve driven down the highway while holding a pacifier in a baby’s mouth, singing, “You are my sunshine” at the top of my lungs. I’ve actually uttered the words “No, you can’t put that hot dog in your pants!”.

Before blogging I often found myself giving lighthearted and reflective narratives to my kids or myself. Many times I thought that if I had the time to write it down, it might make for some good reading. The thought of keeping a journal appealed to me, but being a procrastinator at the best of times, I didn’t have the discipline to keep it current. With a blog you have a sense of accountability because there are actual people out there who want to read what you have to say.

Receiving comments and feedback from other Moms and Dads who read my blog fuel me creatively. When you have an appreciative audience you are more apt to be honest. The less I hold back, the better my writing tends to be. In times of intense frustration, I can blog about how hard being a parent really can be and within minutes receive comments validating and praising me. At the same time, should I post a controversial entry full of opinion, I receive comments debating and challenging me. Exercising my brain by engaging in conversation with others only helps further my opinion that blogging is a perfect outlet for me, someone who has always enjoying being challenged.

On the flip side of my blogging habit is getting to read some of the fantastically written Mom Blogs on the net. When I read those on my blogroll I am humbled by the writing of the women of this World. Each one is just a reinforcement that becoming a Mom doesn’t mean you’ve left your brain to become an empty space behind your eyes; Filled only with feeding schedules, diaper changing routines and grocery lists. Mommy Bloggers have something to say! They’re political, opinionated, frustrated, tired, elated and in love with their lives! Even if some days find them rocking back and forth under the kitchen table or hiding in the bathroom.

I think the next time you ask a Mom Blogger why she does it, she might not be able to give you a definitive answer. She might shrug her shoulders as if to imply that she’s not sure why, she just does. If you consider my reasons, it might give other bloggers, and people in general, an idea as to what fuels us - as Moms and as Bloggers.

And here is an assignment for all of you today. We all know about the Queen Bloggers. The A-Listers. They rock so hard they make us cry with laughter and reflection. What I would love from you now is a link to a blogger who may be just starting out, or who is, in your opinion, just slightly underrated. Sometimes when I need a bit of a push or inspiration, I look for that fantastic little blog that is so decadent I don’t want to share. Will you share with me?

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[tags]kids, parents, moms, bloggers, blogher, best of the best[/tags]