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Why I Follow Parenting Blogs

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Parenting is one of the most popular niches in the blogging world today. Even though I am not a parent, I visit parenting blogs. Quite a lot of them to be honest. While most of the parenting bloggers are my friends whom I know personally, I do visit other parenting blogs too. Many people have asked me why do I do that. What is the point in visiting a parenting blog when you are not a parent! Some have even gone ahead and told me that I visit parenting blogs only to look for negative posts so that I feel good about not wanting to have children. Yeah, the human race is wonderfully stupid at times. Before I get into the details of the post, I'd like to say that I have no problems with children. I love children and I'm blessed to be a Godmother to some wonderful kids. I just don't want to have one of my own.

Parenting blogs can be tricky. While some are absolutely brilliant and realistic, others can be way too personal with parents putting up pictures of their baby's first poop and drool. I started visiting parenting blogs mostly because of the blogging communities that I'm a part of. Most of the people there are parents and I initially visited them as a token of support, but when I saw the content there, I kept going back again and again. While most parents talk about the upbringing of their children, some even talk about the issues that can affect them. There is a lesson out there for everyone. Being a parent or not, is not a criteria then.

I've just stepped into my 30s, that means that most of my friends are parents by now. As I read parenting blog posts, it gives me a new perspective every now and then. When I see how the people around me are bringing up their children and when I read about a totally different way of upbringing, I try to understand the psyche of the parents. Yes, no two people are the same, but when you read more and more about different parenting styles, it gets interesting. Tomorrow, if I were to have a child, these posts would be of immense help to me.

There are a few parent bloggers who talk about parenting with a generous dose of humor. They are my favorite. People think that writing a parenting blog post is easy because all they have to do is talk about their everyday experience. But, it is not that simple. Weaving a story about an experience needs a lot of work and talent. Some people ace this beautifully and as a person who appreciates good writing, I do like to visit blogs with good content. Parenting oriented or not. The tales of some children are so interesting to read and I appreciate the fact that parents these days have become quite broadminded when it comes to their children and have let them choose their own path of life. Having said that, there are also parent bloggers who constantly crib about their children and compare them with other kids and ask for help and tricks in controlling their wards. Such blogs, I stay away from.

I love parenting posts where parents write a letter or leave a message for their children. As much as I don't want it at the present, I think that being a parent is a wonderful experience and it warms the cockles of my heart to read posts where parents have laid their heart open for their children. Be it a post on how to handle negativity, or a post on a mother worrying about her daughter growing up in today's big bad world, or a post on how much they matter to them; all of it speak the language of love. And when I read that, I feel so warm and fuzzy inside. Plus, in a way I'm seeing these kids grow up in front of my eyes through their parent's blog.

While some new parents do parenting posts only to join the crowd, for freebies or to get invited to events, the new parents who genuinely want to share their experience makes way for some delightful and honest confessions. I'm sure we all go through a lot of anxiety before having a baby, but when you see it written out there on print, it doesn't feel all that bad. Parenting blogs can be lifesaving for many parents who want to share their experience or learn something they are unsure about. Non-parents can prepare themselves for the future or just come and read some good writing.

You don't have to be a parent to relate to some experiences. Like for example, this post by one of my favorite parenting bloggers, Shailaja, where she has spoken about the power of a hug when it comes to children. Throughout the post I was nodding my head as I believe the exact same things. Not with reference to a child, but with my husband. In this way, I have read so many experiences that I could relate to my day to day life and that has nothing to do with parenting. But, they do come from parenting blogs.

Tomorrow, whether I become a parent or not, I would continue to visit parenting blogs. First, because I love reading good content. Next, because I know it will help me in one way or the other.

Comments

  1. Soumya, you have made my day, week and month with this post. I have lost count of the number of anti-mom-blog rants I have read on social media. So much so that just a month before going self-hosted I was considering shutting down the parenting blog. Thankfully, I did not.

    And one of the main reasons I blog on parenting is because it gives me an insight into how things that seem pretty normal can turn into an eye-opener for me. I've grown as a person thanks to the blog, thanks to the parenting journey. I have so much to be thankful for and among them are people like you.

    I am running out of words, so just know that I love you from the bottom of my heart for writing this post.

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    1. Like I said before, you need to ignore such morons. Some people just can't see others succeed.

      I love your parenting posts and I bookmark almost most of them to share with my friends!

      Thank you so much for being there, Shy!

      Delete
  2. Yours is the first post I am reading today because of the post title. I am a parenting blogger and when non-parents come and visit my posts, I feel extremely grateful. Thank you, Soumya.

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    1. I love the way you talk about Dhruv, Anamika. It is very interesting to read, so I'll be coming back for more. Thank you!

      Delete
  3. Where do you meet such stupid people who tell you that you read these blogs to gather the negativity in parenting??? You need to move!!!
    I don't know why, but I can't read such posts. I can't even meet parents who talk about their children. If there are funny (really funny) anecdotes, I enjoy, other than that I just skip, and in real life, deliberately and rudely change the conversation!!
    I guess I am going through a phase!!!

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    1. I know, right? Morons!

      Thankfully most of the parenting blogs I follow have good content and not only blah-blah about the kids. The posts make so much sense and some of them are really really funny.

      It is not a phase! I hate it too when people talk only about their children and find all their antics cute. Once in a while yes, but always? Naah, not for me.

      Delete
  4. I'm so glad you did this post. I'm just glad.

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  5. Lovely, wise post, Soumya!
    One of the lessons I've learned in my parenting journey is humility and to maintain a sense of humor at all times. I think my son has taught me to be a good parent. In April 2015, my A to Z theme was letters to my son--which I did at the time since he was going away to college.

    Also, I think most "parenting" tips work in all relationships.
    Love and hugs!

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    1. Thank you, my dear Hotness <3

      I loved those letters to your son. I remember visiting every one of it too :)

      Delete
  6. Yes, people are stupid, and sometimes, actually many a times, they do not understand boundaries. Who are they to tell you what to do or what not to do?!

    Anyway, even though I have a 5 year old now, I have been reading parenting blogs from before D was even in the picture. The collective wisdom has definitely helped me, but even without that, it's been a joy to see some of the kids grow through the blogs their parents write.

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    1. I know, right? I do know some miserable people!

      You said it, there is so much to learn from parenting blogs.

      Delete
  7. Parenting blogs are quite insightful aren't they? I am suprised by how each parent is always on the go and have to come up with new ideas and tricks to handle their kids. It makes me wonder if I will ever have that kind of energy. 😀

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    1. Oh yeah, surprisingly so :)

      Thanks to the exercise you do, you will ace this parenting thing!

      Delete
  8. I think when the content is good, it doesn't matter if it's a parenting blog or not. It's why I read Shailaja and Fat Mum Slim...they write about parenting in a beautiful way. The ones I don't like are the ones just selling stuff via sponsored posts all the time because I have no plans of becoming a parent and I don't see anything personal in their posts. You know it's just for the money.

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    1. You said it! Some write such interesting concept that revolve around parenting that it keeps you hooked.

      The others? Naah, they are way too cheap.

      Delete
  9. I wonder why people have to pass such insane comments. Really they wonder why you read parenting blogs? I feel so wonderful to connect with both parents and non-parents alike when they read my parenting posts. Like you mentioned, the experiences are what anyone can relate with. You don't have to be a parent for that. As someone who shares a lot of her parenting journey, I find blogging about my parenting journey liberating. There are generous people who pitch in with support and advice when you are feeling down. And when people relate with what you write, what can be better than that?

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    1. Some people just think that parenting blogs are for parents alone. Talk about ignorance.

      Your parenting posts teach me so much about life and the right way of living it. More non-parents should read parenting blogs.

      Delete
  10. First, we have to Hi-five for few things: I too have entered my 30s, I am not a parent (yet) and I am a follower of many parenting blogs, vlogs and instagram accounts (beingmammabear on instagram is amazing). And yeah, human race are wonderfully stupid most of the times.

    It is indeed wonderful to read the posts, watch vlogs to see them grow through the media.

    I used to follow a YouTube couple (Texan in Tokyo) for long time. They stopped uploading any content when they decided to have kids and they have explained it all in their last video on their channel.


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    1. Hi-Five, sistah! :D

      Let me check out beingmammabear right away!

      Delete
  11. Tulika, Anamika, Rachna, Vidya and Shailaja - These ladies write lovely stories about parenting. Like you, I also read them for the lessons and happy moments they have to share. So what if I am not a mother? I am the mother of my own life :) Loved your post and to those who say all these funny things about you - let them take a loooong walk. :D

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    1. I know, these women are brilliant! Their posts teach me so much about life.

      Haha, mother of your own life? I love that!

      Delete

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