There’s a special birthday at Crummy Mummy HQ this week: my fifth baby is eight!
When I say fifth baby I do, of course, mean my blog, which first went live what feels like aeons ago on January 19, 2013.
So much has happened since then and it’s bonkers to think it’s all documented here in these pages (there are currently a grand total of 1,322 posts in the archives, that’s an average of three a week for the last eight years).
So, to mark my eighth ‘blogiversary’, I thought it would be fun to share 8 things I wish I’d known about starting a mummy blog!
8 things I wish I’d known before starting a mummy blog!
1. People turn their nose up at ‘mummy bloggers’
Even some mummy bloggers find the term ‘mummy blogger’ offensive. But instead of a sexist stereotype, I really don’t mind the label. Afterall, it says exactly what I do on the tin.
2. People expect you to work for free
It never fails to amaze me how many PRs and potential clients ask me to write about and link to their product or service in return for absolutely nothing. Or worse, in return for a discount off a product I didn’t want or need in the first place. Some brazenly do it, others (to give them some credit) sheepishly do it. Unless you’re a charity or can offer something in recognition of the valuable time it takes to craft a blog post and the equally valuable audience I’m giving them access to, the answer’s no.
3. Everything that comes into our house is a potential prop
Flowers, cakes, homeware, fairy lights, even a new baby – you name it, the chances are it will become a prop in a blog or social media post at some point in the future!
4. It can be expensive
Despite being classed as an ‘influencer’ (another label that really doesn’t bother me) I’m a sucker for being influenced by all the lovely mummy bloggers I follow too. I can’t tell you how many things I’ve bought after spotting them on other people’s feeds. Especially after a glass of wine or two!
5. A selfie stick is an essential bit of kit
Before becoming a mummy blogger a selfie stick is the sort of thing I’d have laughed at – now it’s an essential bit of kit and, as a family of six, handy on all sorts of occasions because it’s like an extension of my arm!
6. There’s a whole alternative world out there – and it’s great!
By which I mean an online world. Over the last eight years I’ve met so many people, many of whom I count as true friends even though we’ve never actually met! As a blogger and a person who reads blogs you learn the ins and outs of other people’s lives, and you’re there to support each other virtually through the ups and downs – which is quite handy when you find yourself homeschooling in the middle of a global pandemic!
7. Sometimes my blog feels like a monster I created
A monster that needs constantly feeding, maintaining and updating. Because a blog doesn’t look after itself and any blogger will tell you blogging is a labour of love.
8. It’s a bit like having a fifth baby
As well as feeling like the monster I created at times, my blog also feels like my baby. I conceived it, grew it and now I’m nurturing it – and I wouldn’t be without it for the world!
Do you blog and is there anything you wish you’d known before you started? I’d love to know what it is!
Congragulations on your 8th ‘blogiversary’, I can imagine you have seen a lot of changes over the 8 years! i have been blogging for just over 2 yrs now and It is like having another baby….. a very demanding one too!I But I absolutely love so much about it x x #MischiefAndMemories
Yes it’s definitely like having another child isn’t it – one that constantly needs feeding!
I blog as a hobby to fill the time and share my knowledge after a stroke forced me to give up my child minding career #mischiefandmemories@-karendennis
I always enjoy your posts & advice based on all your experience!
My sons sat on my selfie stick and it snapped in two. I’m constantly thinking ‘Oh I wish I had a selfie stick to capture this moment’ I really must replace it!
I started blogging when I had my eldest son. I was a primary school teacher so it seemed like a good way to share my knowledge but my blog has changed quite a bit since those days! #mischiefandmemories
Yes mine has changed a lot too – I certainly never dreamed I’d have 4 kids, for a start! Replace that selfie stick!
I wish I had started blogging during my pregnancy now I know Zach is my last child. I love the way my blog charts our life together but it has changed completely since I started. I had never even looked at a blog before I started my own so had no idea what I was doing! Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories
I started blogging when Bluebell was coming up to 18 months old & also wish I had her pregnancy to look back on, but that said I have three more all charted in these pages!
Do you know, I STILL don’t have a selfie stick. Happy 8th bloggy birthday. That’s amazing *sending virtual party poppers and cake. Thank you for sharing this lovely moment with us on the #MischiefAndMemories linky xx
Thank you! A selfie stick is life changing – you NEED to get one!!