I’m having a blogging crisis, of sorts.
Ever since writing about my son’s troubles at school recently, I’ve hesitated to say anything about him on this blog that could maybe even slightly give an impression that my son isn’t “normal.” Some of the comments and emails (way more emails than comments) I received as a result of saying that my son is difficult and has always been difficult really stung. It hurt and scared me to hear words like “Autism” and “Sensory Processing Disorder.”
I felt like I cheated Carson by not painting a complete picture of him, but my style of blogging is usually to just talk about the issue of the day and not include every single detail that one might possibly need to know to form a conclusion. Therefore, with the scant information I presented, several of you concluded that my son was somehow disordered.
I can see how you would come to that conclusion. If I were to have read that post, as someone who doesn’t live MY life, where I went on and on about how Carson has trouble with groups, he doesn’t like to be around too many kids, and that everything we’ve ever done has been a battle, well…I would have come to the conclusion that Carson needed some sort of professional help, that he was maybe autistic or sensory impaired or suffering from an anxiety disorder.
At this point, I’m not really sure what I should say about Carson and school. I don’t want to jinx the progress we’ve made (because everyone knows that sharing on a success on your blog immediately activates Murphy’s Law). Also, I really can’t take anymore advice.
I’m saturated and feeling overexposed.
I feel like I need to guard my son.
I feel like I need to guard my heart.
The other day I posted a picture of Carson with his hair in pigtails. Before publishing the photo, I considered whether or not this would embarrass Carson one day. Obviously, I went ahead and published it, but I’ve gone back and forth with myself, “hey it was pretty funny!” to “I should be ashamed at myself for posting a potentially embarrassing photo of my CHILD to get comments.”
Everyday there are hilarious things that my children do that would make BRILLIANT blog posts. The poop on the floor that someone tried to clean up with the mini vacuum, but luckily I intervened in time…The story of how the highlight of someone’s day was learning to pee behind a tree outside…The threatening to hit a certain unmentionable body part when they are angry, “I’m gonna hit my {redacted} if you make me eat lunch.”…
I don’t know anymore what I should and shouldn’t post. Will I embarrass them, overexpose them? Now that my children are no longer babies, there is no longer a clear line of what constitutes an appropriate, but still funny topic. A story about poop involving an infant: Funny! ALL infants have poop stories. A poop story about a three-year-old: funny…maybe, embarrassing…definitely. In no way do I want to exploit my children’s privacy and embarrassing moments for the sake of this stupid blog, for the sake of comments.
I shudder to think that my children would ever be angry with me for PUBLISHING for ALL the Interwebs to see on MY blog something that could potentially horrify them.
Something tells me that this is only going to get even more complicated as my children get older. I’m certain that Ella would be mortified if I talked about her getting her first period. Carson probably wouldn’t appreciate if I wrote in detail about his first hearbreak.
I mean, I’m supposedly a *GASP* mommyblogger. I’ve always blogged about my kids. (Most of the time) I love talking about them with all of you and hearing your experiences. But if I don’t talk about my kids , then what the hell do I talk about?!
There’s also this whole expectation about what you as readers expect when you read this blog. Playgroups are no place for children. A (mommy)blog about a mom who writes about her many moves, her two kids, silly marital strife stories, and pure nonsense. For awhile I wrote blog tips, but only on Saturdays because I didn’t want to annoy my readers who had no interest in the subject. I’d love to start talking about some of my other passions like photography and cooking, but I hesitate because “blogging experts” say that every different topic should be it’s own blog so as not to lose readers.
SIGH.
So I followed that advice. I started a recipe site about forever and an eon ago, but it’s just never felt like my home, THIS blog. I’ve considered beginning to post recipes with pictures, because I LIKE cooking, I LIKE photography, I LIKE photographs of food, and I LIKE to talk about those things, but haven’t because I didn’t want people to think I was just copying other people who’ve done the exact same thing.
Can you see why I’m having this blogging crisis?!
I fear the repercussions of talking about my kids and I fear venturing into new territories because I don’t have any NEW! and ORIGINAL! ideas.
Where do I go from here?
Even though I think that the name of this blog “Playgroups are no place for children” is frankly quite brilliant (if I do say so myself), I feel so boxed in by it. Every time I’m referred to as “Playgroupie” I want to barf. My kids are getting older and I haven’t been in a playgroup in a year and a half! The name, or really the BRAND of this blog, well…I just don’t know if it works for me anymore.
I don’t know if it is ME anymore.
What I really want to do is throw my hands up in the air and say, “Dammit! This blog may not be ME as much as it once was, but it is still MY blog. I can do whatever I want!” After more than two years of blogging, I think I’m finally in a place where I’m no longer really trying to grow my blog and gain readership, though if it happens, great! I do want to keep my readers, though, because I LIKE you. I really, really like you. It would be a shame to lose a bunch of readers because I decided to be ME.
Can I give myself permission to expand the content that I present on THIS site? Is it even allowed?
(This is officially the longest and most rambling post I’ve ever written. If you made it all the way to the end, I’d like to offer you a trophy.)
I like cooking. I like photography. I like you. You write it, I will read it.
Beth´s lastest post..irish for a day
#1: Breathe.
#2: Breathe again.
Here’s my logic (or lack thereof) about what I post on my blog:
I write my blog for ME. It is about stuff I LIKE. I talk about my kids, I take pictures, I try and tell stories of my regular life in a way that is humorous. I *might* throw in a recipe or two if they’re simple and they worked well for me – cuz that’s important to me, too. I might talk about TV or a movie – cuz I like ‘em. I know what the experts say, but damn them anyway…maybe my blog won’t ever have 1000 readers, but it has more than I ever thought it would!
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t stress about readers and comments and selling ads, but I won’t change who I am to get more of them.
I know I’ve recently been thinking of the same issues with regard to my kids and their privacy (and you may have noticed much more talk about my 2yo because of it – he still fits in that “baby realm”.) But at the same time, I hope that my kids will grow up to have the same sense of humor that I have, and hope they’ll be able to laugh at something like themselves in pigtails. Cuz they were little once. And were cute, and I loved them.
But I’m all for a blog name change if you think something would suit your station in life better. You know your REAL readers will follow you!
(This is now officially the longest comment I’ve ever left anyone. Award goes to you who read the whole thing.
I’ve never read your blog and thought you wrote something inappropriate or exploitive. If someone has a problem with it, I would think that is THEIR problem. They don’t have to read if they don’t want to. Free country.
Definitely don’t read too much into what a STRANGER emails you. They can just suck it. What do they know from one post? Or two? Or twenty?
This blog is for you. You write about what you want to write about.
The end.
Kat´s lastest post..Drum Roll, Please…
I have a three month old. I love reading the blogs of more ‘experienced’ parents because it gives me a taste of what is to come. It is also very thrilling to know that life with children can contain more than just the kids and that moms can have interests of their own. I am still adjusting to my new role, and sometimes I miss just being Beth. Reading about your kids is great fun, and reading what you may write about any other topic just as good. You give everyone who reads the inspiration to branch out and embrace the things they love to do. So write on my friend. I’ll be here to read!
Well, this is my first visit to your blog (which is great, btw) and I get a trophy for reading. Lucky day
Kidding aside, I think you should do whatever you want and whatever makes you happy. If you’re forcing yourself into a box, you ultimately will be unhappy and will probably erode your brand slowly as your reader sense the decline in your enthusiasm.
In regards to your kids and violating their privacy? Tell them what you’re doing and be open. My children are older than yours and I talk to them about what I do and why (my very small readership) enjoys it. If they ever become uncomfortable I won’t post or I’ll stop blogging entirely.
Chin up! Revisit the reasons you started this blog, and do whatever enables you put the joy back into it.
This is my first trip to a famous blogger site! I feel glamorous by association
Now where’s my trophy?!
KathyB!´s lastest post..I guess you have a point
As I’ve come to realise in the last couple of months, the sad fact about being a blogger is that we put ourselves out there for people to see…and there’s always someone waiting to judge, or give advice (usually unsolicited), or tell us what’s wrong with us or our kids.
I don’t read your stuff and think to myself “oohhh there’s something wrong that kid, he must have some sort of disorder”. I read it and think “I’d sure like to give her a hug, it sounds like they’ve both (all) had a hard day”.
I’ve posted my fair share of things that are likely to embarrass my spawn in the years to come, but on the other hand I’ve also posted many a tribute or cute anecdote … and that’s what I hope they’ll see and cherish.
You, in my opinion, do the same thing. It’s your right as the blog author to write about whatever you want to write about. If that’s your kids, fine. If it’s recipes and food, fine.
I come here because I like you and your style….and I have no doubt that you will carry that style with you in whatever direction you choose to go.
Chin up
Mad Woman´s lastest post..Free For All Friday…..on Sunday
Glad to hear I’m not the only one with bloggy crises. I agree with everyone before me– you are a great writer and that’s why you have such a wonderful following. Be yourself and we will follow!
(And I do fear for the day my children can truly comprehend what I’ve written on my blog. My hope is that they understand it was all don out of love, but I’m sure they’ll end up in therapy anyway.)
And I miss your Saturday tips!
Scary Mommy´s lastest post..I went to sleep alone…
I hear you. Justin is 10. Ten is a bit too old to just let everything out there for everyone to read. But he’s my son, and I need to write about what our lives are about!
Sigh… I do hold back. I do evaluate “will this embarrass him? Is this appropriate?” If not, I try to hedge around a topic, stating that some things on my mind are simply too private to put in the web world, and leave it at that…
Also, why does CommentLuv not love me? Why don’t my posts ever show on the first comment? Why do I CARE???
Interesting post and I totally get it.
I think you ARE the brand. People that come here want to hear you and what you have to say.
the new girl´s lastest post..Making Nurse Ratchet Look Like Florence Fucking Nightingale
I have been slowly but inevitably coming to the same realization. When CJ started kindergarten… and then started having problems at kindergarten… I firmly believe that there’s a line that is better not crossed when it comes to publicly blogging about our kids. It’s one thing to share the funny it-happens-to-everyone stories (potty training! charming anecdotes! funny stories!) but when it comes to the personal things that make our children unique – esp their fears and insecurities and PROBLEMS… these things are not ours to tell. At least that’s how I see it. I can’t imagine if my mom had blogged about my struggles with weight or difficulty making friends or other areas of my life that were painful. Anyway, this is my very long winded way of saying I HEAR YOU and what you’re saying matters. And also I personally think you can evolve your blog into whatever you want and your readers will follow. It’s YOU they love, not your subject-matter! hang in there.
bananas´s lastest post..If the bankers can do it, WHY CAN’T I?
I haven’t read all 100+ comments above, but they all probably say some variation of this – I’ll be here reading, no matter what you choose to write about.
Deb – Mom of 3 Girls´s lastest post..Wordless Wednesday #87 – Signs that spring’s finally on the way
This is YOUR blog and it has to serve YOUR purposes. The thing about a blog is – that you’re not obligated – not in any sense of the word. You can do or say anything you like out here. Those of us who have come to know and admire you will be here – or not – because there’s no obligation on our part, either. That said, the bloggers that survive out here do so because they realize they’re part of a larger community of people, and they develop a genuine desire to participate in that community. It’s kind of like living in a small town. you can turn on, tune in or drop out. The choice is now and always has been – yours.
lceel´s lastest post..Sounds of Silence
I think you should be YOU. There is more to a mommy than playgroups. We are, first and foremost, WOMEN. And women cook and photograph and drink and knit and fix stuff and have lives. Be who you are because frankly, we like you. I also think you should set up a feed so twitter gives me a link to your new posts. I haven’t been using my reader, and I’ve been missing reading you.
McMama´s lastest post..Mommy Milk
Re: your son, ignore the emailers. They don’t know him. It’s your business, not theirs, even if they’re trying to be helpful.
Re: topics, people like to read because they like you, like your writing style. Write about whatever you want, and the readership will follow. I really believe this.
abdpbt´s lastest post..On Not Having Writer’s Block, Oprah, Boobs, And A Bunch Of Other Sundry Crap
Girl, it’s YOUR party and you can change the theme(s) if you want to!
And if I may chime in with a story bound to embarrass: My dd, at the age of 5 (she is 7 now) came to me one day and said “Bionicle Dude hit me in the jewels!” (Jewels as in the “family _____”) I explained that girls don’t have jewels. She looked at me and said “Yes I do, mine are purple!”
It turned out that while playing dress up earlier, one of the stick on rhinestones had managed to adhere to her inner thigh – hence her thinking she had purple jewels and me having a coronary from laughing so hard!
I know how you feel, though on a much smaller level. I blogged on Pumproom Confessions for about a year and, hello, I couldn’t pump forever!! Talk about boxing yourself in! Plus, I had another kid and decided to NOT breastfeed or pump (the horrors!) — so not with the “theme.” I stopped blogging. I never started blogging with the thought of the future of the site, I just wanted to record what I was experiencing and share it with people. I do regret that I let the blog go, because I miss the communication with others and how good it feels to get it all out — the good and the bad. I think that is the important thing. Unless you are earning your living or a good chunk of change from your current brand, do what makes you happy. Your fans will follow! By the way, from someone whose been in marketing for over a decade, you are VERY good at marketing yourself and creating and sticking to a brand. I’d hire you in a second if I wasn’t just downsized!
I totally get what you are saying even though I have not been blogging that long. I felt trapped by my “original” vision so I’ve recently decided to expand on the vision and stop trying to fit MYSELF only into it. But I agree with other folks are saying – I come here because I like you and your style of writing. Everyone is already doing EVERY SINGLE IDEA there is! Nothing is new anymore – who cares? People will follow you here and wherever you are because your readers have a sense of who you are….
Good luck with it all…..
Lee of MWOB´s lastest post..Don’t Label Me! At least not with this one…!
I’ve been reading your blog for about 9 months now and I think you need to make your blog what you want to. All of those things you do, whether it is photography, cooking, being a mommy, wife, etc. is all part of who YOU are, and what makes you the person you are. You are a mom and that is mostly what you write about, but I love that you don’t just write about your experiences with kids. I was just starting out blogging when I found your blog and your tips were so helpful! I am glad that I didn’t have to go sifting through a bunch of boring blogs to get those tips, but that they were right here on one of my favorite FUN blogs to read. Loved reading about your move, the things going wrong with the appliances in your house, and of course love reading about your experiences as a mom. I think most of your readers “know” you enough by now to enjoy reading about other things you enjoy besides being a parent! I say. . . go for it. Why have 3 or 4 blogs, when you can just have one?
Kristin´s lastest post..Ding Ding!
Humans grow and evolve, so why shouldn’t our blogs? And this is YOUR place. Plus, we all love you and I’m sure we’d stick with you no matter what!
I’m sure six billion people have already said this, but: your space, your choice. Write what you want to write about. I know I’m not going anywhere.
Stimey´s lastest post..I Love the Smell of Napalm in the Morning…
Being a Mom is about lots of things not just your kids. Write what you want to write.
I don’t read your blog for the kids stuff, I read your blog because it is well written, funny and thought provoking.
I’m learning that doing things for myself as a Mom is probably the hardest thing to learn about being a parent, the blog makes you happy, make sure to keep it that way so that you can enjoy it.
Shamalam´s lastest post..Best Things…
I see your point(S) but I think you summed it up for yourself –
1)You don’t right every detail but rather capture the moment.
2)This is your blog and space and it feels like home.
3) You have stuff you like to write about other than just “mom” stuff.
I think you just have to keep being yourself and that is what attracts me and others to your blog. Experts post stuff in regards to traffic and money but I’m sure that is not your focus – just a perk. If your kids and hubby know you well then they know the humor behind your posts and pictures and that it isn’t malicious or mean – I’m guessing they will not be upset as they get older.
Sommer´s lastest post..5 Must-Watch Food Videos
Permit yourself to do whatever it is you want with your blog. Hell, look at me I’ve moved around so many times I’ve lost myself.
It’s your space to do what you want. Don’t let others lead you to believe it has to be one way.
And with Carson. I understand. My daughter was the same way. I know you remember all of my stories about her being shy and bad in a crowd and unable to enter a big room of people…all that stuff. So I do understand. You will do what’s right. You’ll trust your heart and your gut and you will do what is best for YOUR son… and your blog.
I wish you well. I truly do.
The Laundress´s lastest post..About A Mom. Me.
I wanted to add, in regard to “copying” other bloggers… On my first day of photography class this semester, my professor asked the class, “How many of you have worried about how to come up with an original idea to make you stand out from the crowd, to be a unique photographer?” Of course we all raised our hands. “Well, you can stop worrying right now, because it’s ALL already been done. No idea you have is going to be truly original or unique. What will make it original and interesting is the spin put on it simply by virtue of it being YOURS.”
Same goes for blogging, I think. So stop worrying and go with your ideas. They’ll be original because it’s YOU behind them.
McMama´s lastest post..Does it taste funny?
Hi Jennifer, Personally I like it when people blog about all areas of their life in one blog. I will read your blog no matter what.
Natalia Burleson´s lastest post..Dietless
I love reading everything you write. I can’t believe that people would send you emails, etc, to give you advice,seems kind of odd to me. I can tell from the comments on here a lot of other love reading your blogs, your doing a great job!
For what it’s worth, I read you because it’s YOU. I don’t read with any expectations, I read hoping to get an update or a laugh from someone who is an awesome writer and friend.
I don’t think you should worry about copying others. You can’t copy passion, you have it or you don’t. And baby you’ve got it in spades. What the hell does that expression mean anyways?
Write what you wanna write.
If we forced ourselves to only express ourselves when it’s brand new we’ll have a long time between posts – what hasn’t been done on the internets, right?
It’s *yours* and that automatically means it is genuine and unique and never-been-done-before because *you* did it.
Crap, you weren’t looking for any more advice, I know, so disregard that last bit. But if you start posting about food or photos or the great famine of 1930, I’ll still tune in because it’ll be your food and photos and for God’s sake feed your children already.
Oh, no don’t. I don’t want him to “impale” himself! LOL
Amy in OHio´s lastest post..Oats of Steel
I was probably one of those who maybe judged just a little bit and then I realized that I wasn’t getting the whole picture and refrained from commenting.
Kids are such funny little creatures and you never know how they will turn out. Yours are little, you have a long way to go.
As moms, we can just hope and pray that they stay safe and healthy.
As for the blog, I will keep checking in (whatever the post) and comment when I feel so inclined.
Binks´s lastest post..Can I twitter my bad day away?
BTW – I posted a photo of my son dressed up like a girl.
He was 4 then and is 18 now. He laughed and said to post whatever I wanted, but at 13 I am sure he would have been mortified.
Just catching up with my reader…cause I have been outside and spending time with my family..enjoying life!
My son is just like ur son. Believe there are so many posts that I could write about. He was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD last year. I’m starting to post more about it. Everyone online is some sort of expert or critic.
I’m trying to venture out of mommyblogging world, but i know alot of people appreciate my stories.
I think WE all as bloggers are somewhat stumped right now. It seems like alot of us are burnt out, bored, or trying to change up things. I’ve been slowly changing things around lately and I seem to be getting good feedback. I have a ton more readers and not all of them are mommies.
I’m really getting into some local things in my city and area. That has been fun too. Write about ur experiences, things you do, it’s doesn’t always have to be about the kids.
Julie @ Angry Julie Monday´s lastest post..I’m going MAC!
I’ve decided it’s okay to not fit in. I’ve been where you are (sort of) and it helps to just step away for a while. Very recently I pretended I was out of the country, put a vacation message on my email and messages on my facebook and twitter, etc, saying I would be unable to access the Internet for a week. You know what? The world did not end. It was pretty awesome. And when I came back, I felt better. More secure in myself and what I was doing here. I realize this probably is more annoying than helpful but I’m just trying to say, sometimes where you go IS here. You know? Just keep doing what you’re doing. Don’t try to make it fit.
maggie, dammit´s lastest post..Why I’m not much better than an Internet troll (but I’m trying.)
(I skipped all the comments due to the beer I have consumed tonight)
You are Jennifer. I love your blog whether you write about your kids, your husband, yourself, your friends, or your 18 gazillion moves in the past few years.
Write. That is all you have to do.
Much love to you.
marty´s lastest post..There will be rainbows
Oh Jennifer. Look at how far you’ve come?! I remember when I first found your blog and thought you were the greatest thing since, well the invention of great things. And although YEARS have gone by (I can’t believe it’s been that long?) you are still as lovely and witty as ever. Your best blog will be the one that makes you happiest. Write exactly what you want and your readers will read you.
Also? Happy birthday
brandy´s lastest post..Exactly what I needed to hear
Hi. I write on a site called barefoot foodie. People refer to me are foodie. I could vomit. I picked that name when I had some great food aspriations, and I got branded to the name before I realized it didn’t fit me anymore. This was extremely troubling to me. I was stressed about it, and no one really understood why it frusterated me. I didn’t want to be boxed in by my name. I liked to eat, but I was no chef. I have kids, but I didn’t want to switch over to full time mommy blogging mode. I wanted space and freedom, and after I searched around trying to see just how others accomplished this, I realized, all I needed to do was say screw it. I gave MYSELF the freedom. It took a bit of time, but I rebranded myself with the ability to be a catch all of my life, not just food or kids.
So, my advice, just do it. This is your blog. You set your rules. You may lose some, but you’ll gain some new ones too.
brittany´s lastest post..Rainbow sherbet makes me smile.
Look at all your comments, you indeed have quite the following, so I think it’s totally YOU writing, whatever you’re writing, that’s driving it!
You’re talking about evolution here, your evolution as a blogger, as a writer, as a mother. And that’s inevitable.
I agree, your “Playgroups” name is brilliant, but we all evolve, and as the kids get older, it is no longer about all the fun poopy, playgroup stories. As the kids get older, the issues can sometimes become more sensitive. I find that I’m re-reviewing my posts more often now as my kids get older, and I’ve been asking my boy his permission to post his picture and about any events just in the last while, now that he’s almost 9. It is tough, isn’t it, our desire to be transparent and true to ourselves in our blogging efforts, but also in our roles as mothers to be so fiercely protective of the very subjects that we are so eager to write about in the first place. Our kids are such an extension of ourselves, it’s only natural to have this struggle.
My blog is always going from here, to there, about my kids, not about my kids, being more open and finding a response to my more passionate posts, and then trying to hide again in fear of any repercussions that I may experience IRL.
And why, I ask myself, have I not visited you more often? I used to way back when, but then didn’t, and I should get my ass back here more often.
Karen MEG´s lastest post..Almost two months
You know, I didn’t comment on that post about your struggle with your son. I didn’t comment because I really have no wisdom to impart. But if I had posted, I would have told you that my older son was DIFFICULT from the age of three until, well, STILL, at the age of almost 25.
My younger son? Not so much.
What I would have told you is that my older son concerned me ALL THE FREAKIN’ time. Am I doing this right? Am I too lenient? Too strict? Why the HELL does he have to be so DIFFICULT ALL THE FREAKIN’ TIME?!!!!
Situations that posed no problems for most kids, freaked him out. I found myself “managing” his behavior instead of “instilling my will”. And in the end, I found my way through his difficulties by always being aware of just who he was and respecting that.
I think you need to do that with your son, and also with your blog. Respect your son by working “with” who he is, and respect yourself by using your blog any way you see fit. It’s yours after all.
And just as a little side note, baby poop stories, three year olds poop stories? You got nothing on me. I’ve posted poop stories about my then 17 year old. And when I did I told the kid, “You do something THIS stupid, I’m bloggin’ about it!”
It is a fine line when you blog about your family and so recently I reconfigured my blog and made us all a bit more anonymous in an effort to protect the not so innocent people in my life.
I for one love reading here and I would still love it if the posts were recipes or photography items or whatever.
Hugs
Have the T-shirt´s lastest post..The Right Way to Begin a Friday
Well, I say it’s your blog, so you should feel free to write about what you’re passionate about. If that’s your kids, great. If that’s cooking & photography, great. Although I may not read every word of every recipe – I will still be here every day (via Google Reader).
I’ve followed a few other bloggers who have changed the name of their site, changed the topics of their posts, and/or added in new content. They didn’t lose all their readers; nor will you.
Its your blog and you should be able to write what you wish. My blog right now is revolving around my mom having surgery, potty training a 4 yr old and my stubborn daughter. This may change in two weeks or so. I have never read anything here I thought was inappropriate, just thoughtful or hilarious.
As for what people are saying about your son, many many people kept telling my my kid was autistic when we first saw things. I felt so great telling all of them they were dead wrong.
Jennifer A´s lastest post..I had grand visions for this post
It’s your blog. You can post whatever you want on it. We will still come and read. Kids change, people’s focus changes and people change. Write what you want Jennifer.
Jessi´s lastest post..Weekly Winners
Just stumbled on your blog today so if you start fresh with a mixed up, include all your interests format? I would so never know the difference!
My main blog is 99% photography and I started a /stories one to not clutter up the photogblog look. Not including the local one and the biz one. Does that make me a blogoholic?
Heather´s lastest post..at the zoo
this is your space. let it grow and change with you
Oh, wow, Jennifer. I just blogged about why branding is hard because honestly? I don’t FEEL like writing memoirs right now. So what do I do?
I say (as most everyone here did) to write what you want. You can shift focus, talk about you and not them, go from your perspective, whatever. You are the reason we come here.
I hope you find your place. We’re not pigeonholed in to one role in person, I see no reason to do so here.
XO
Mrs. Flinger´s lastest post..The Trouble With Branding
[...] want to thank each of you for the thoughtful and supportive comments on my last post. I really wanted to reply to so many of them, but I got overwhelmed, then I got busy (see [...]
I totally get where you are coming from and I think most “mommy bloggers” who started when their children were infants/toddlers and continue writing go through the same thing. We are all so much more than just about parenting issues. Just like I’m sure you talk to friends or family about more than poop or funny kid stories, you have a lot of interests. Don’t be afraid to blog outside the box! Be yourself and your readers will stick with you.
It’s easier done than said, though, I know when we’re given so many rules and guidelines about so called successful blogging and branding, etc. (And by the way I love your crafty stuff you posted recently in Flickr…cool!)
Now that my oldest daughter is in first grade I do write about her less or I’ll think about posting something and if I catch myself second guessing it than I won’t. It’s just a natural transition, I think.
If you feel like you need a name change for your blog, I say go for it! This is YOUR space.
p.s. I personally loved that picture of Carson…and you chose a photo of him where we couldn’t see his face.
Jamie´s lastest post..Happy Happy, Joy Joy, Drool Drool
I found your blog today, after reading this post I know exactly how you feel with the people telling you your kid needs professional help, except I get to hear it from dear ol’ MIL and her crock of a therapist (btw she doesnt spend much time with my son and her doc, i use that term loosely, has never seen him.
Do me a favor don’t listen to them,your are his mother, you know him better than anyone, and you seem like the sort of person who knows when it’s just the nature of the child and not something greater.