Mom power

Illustration by: Stacy Innerst, Post-Gazette

By Cooper

It seems as though the best of motherhood can be found in a blog.

For the last couple weeks I have interviewed over 20 blogger moms and dads for an article on parent blogging that ran in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Among other things, I found:

1. Blogging provides a safe place to find a like-minded community, valuable advice, laughs and someone who will listen.

"Blogging moms are always there. They may not write every day but they're there, always within reach," DotMom Robin P. told me.

2. Time and time again in the blogosphere, people are willing to offer non-judgmental support and kindly, "Oh, honey, I've been there" virtual pats on the back.

"Blogging, to me, almost has more of an impact than say, a conversation on a park bench. I am always touched when I seek advice from a blog post and folks take the time to respond. They didn't have to, but they saw my post and took a minute to help me out... even though they don't have a clue who I am," said DotMom Charlene.

DotMom Jenn said she was struck by the way blogging unveils similarities among parents, "I finally realized that for every emotion I felt, someone else had felt it as well and could understand. For every experience I struggled with, someone else had struggled with it and offered support. And, for every whimsical tale I told of my children, there is always someone there to share in the fun with me."

DotMom Ellen described a unique experience she had through blogging.

"Being able to share some of my heartaches concerning stepmotherhood, for instance, has helped me deal with those mixed feelings. Other women have written to share how they, too, have adjusted to this new brand of 'mixed family,' and their comments have made me feel connected to the larger world. One stepmother and her stepdaughter each wrote me independently, giving their own viewpoints to how they had managed to get along over the years, and it was a very illuminating and encouraging correspondence," Ellen said.

3. Blogging is an ideal way to connect.

DotMom Christine lives in Germany and uses blogging as a way to stay in touch with family in the states. "It is a way to connect with my family, which mostly lives in Charlottesville, Va. They know more about me than they do about each other (and they live minutes away from each other!). I can rant, rave, and radically comment on the happenings of the day, in the news, or write silly entries with impunity," she said.

4. You can blog on your own time, when you want and how you want.

I liked what DotMom Mindy had to say about this, "It's OPTIONAL. The reading, the writing, the commenting, the visiting, the interaction -- no matter how strongly some may feel to the contrary, it is all optional. It is one of the precious few things in life that is."

5. Parents who blog find the creative outlet of writing to be both helpful to their craft and therapeutic.

"I started writing for DotMoms because I was looking for another writing outlet, somewhere I could write using a little more humor and creativity. I'm a writer/editor and do a lot of PR writing in my job, but I don't get to really express 'myself' through my writing. I had started reading blogs and was both entertained and impressed by the way people made everyday occurrences into funny entries. And I wanted to try my hand at it. At first I didn't look at it as a way to connect with other moms (and parents in general), but now I definitely appreciate the connections that blogging (or writing for DotMoms) provides," said DotMom Amy M.

6. In blogging, everyone is someone.

As Julie Moos, DotMom founder said, "Because there is a common refrain in blogging along the lines of 'I'm so glad I am not the only one," the experience of blogging reminds me of the Emily Dickinson poem, 'I'm nobody, Who are you? Are you nobody, too?' It is like a whole bunch of people getting together and realizing they are somebody."

After all these blogging conversations, I am prouder than ever to be a blogger and a DotMom.

Cooper is the parent of two girls and two boys, ages eight to one. She lives in Pittsburgh, Pa., with her husband and children.

Comments

[Kim]

I meant to write when I saw the P-G article. Thanks for the reminder!

As a new momblogger, also in Pittsburgh, I found it very interesting and encouraging.

Clearly, the next Blogher should be in the 'burgh!

[Emily]

Great summary, Cooper. Once again, you've given me reason to pause and think about my world.

[Jason Berggren]

I'm not a mom, but I am a dad who loves blogging. I have been in contact with all kinds of nice (and interesting) people. It's nice to see what other people are going through and learning in their lives.

[Mary]

I agree! I agree! I agree! Great post; wonderful summary. Thanks for putting my thoughts into words.

[Robin P]

Darn typo!!!! I meant,none of the members have ever MET.
Saying,"None of the members have never me!" doesn't even make sense!! Sorry!!

[Robin P]

Hi Cooper,
Great post. I am pleased and honored to be a DotMom. I love writing and I am thrilled to be a part of such a great group of women.
I have learned so much over the past year and I have DotMoms and all our readers to thank for that.

The support that I have received when I was doubtful about something has been priceless. There is nothing better than getting a bunch of comments that start,"Been there!"
It's like belonging to a club except none of the members have ever me!

Again,great post Cooper!! Thanks for using my quote!