‘Mum blogging’ has gained a huge amount of traction in recent years – and it’s not just a dedicated audience that’s up for grabs. Mum bloggers have become famous because they write blog posts that other families can relate with and learn one or two things from. This mum did a post that went viral within seconds and that is because she is honest and
realistic.
Honesty, a way with words and observational wit can also be commercially viable, resulting in (potentially) lucrative book deals and sponsorships.
These women (and men) are detailing their families’ lives in the minutiae, and, much like being a parent, it’s not always pretty.
So what’s it like to reveal to thousands of people what’s gone on in your private life, every day?
Blogger and mum, Rachaele (aka the Part-Time Working Mummy) first sprang to prominence after a post she wrote to’ Spotted Torquay’ went viral within hours. “The kindness, positivity and overall feedback that came from it was overwhelming.” she told Mirror Online.
“It was then I decided I wanted to write, especially if it meant I could help someone else through sharing my own personal experiences.”
There is definitely a light-heartedness and humour to many a parenting post, but as any mum and dad knows, being part of a family often comes with sensitive, difficult and even ‘taboo’ issues.
“I wrote a story about a young mum I helped outside Mothercare which resonated with mums across the world suffering with postnatal depression and that general feeling of not feeling good enough.
“Domestic violence is another topic I cover.
“There are many women suffering but it is still, unfortunately, such a taboo subject and with two women dying every week in the UK as a result of violence from their current or ex partner, I will do everything within my power to raise awareness.”
This subject, along with post-natal depression and baby loss, is one close to Rachaele’s heart.
“My daughter and I used a SAFE women’s refuges which was so crucial to us and was a lifeline for us at that time.
“I had a single mum say she couldn’t afford to fix her boiler and I was inundated with people offering to go and fix it for her – free of charge.
“When you read some of the comments of support on my page or when I receive messages from a stranger wanting to help another stranger it makes me so bloody happy!”
One common thread which runs through the majority of parenting blogs is humour.
These mums and dads will quite literally tell you anything. Bodily fluids, arguments, tantrums, rotten days and mess – all of the less photogenic aspects of parenthood are addressed and joked about. Rachaele explains, “Parents like seeing and hearing what other parents do and how they cope when their toddler has had the mother of all tantrums!
“When you have had a particularly bad day, reading a blog detailing a day just like yours, or in some cases worse, can really help someone see they are not failing as a parent.
Talking about support from her family after spilling their private lives Onloine, she says …”“In all honesty we are used to it now,” Rachaele says.
“My family understands how my blog helps others and how I am able to help people suffering in a domestic violent situation, so because of this they support me 100 per cent.
-MirrorUK