The state of British mummy blogging and the best ones of 2008!

Best of the british mummy bloggers So, the other day at coffee, I brought up my mummy blog. I might as well been speaking Slovenian. Non capiche.

What’s a mummy blog?” asked one of the mums, a particularly chummy friend of mine who loves veg patches as much as I do.

“It’s a place where mums can share info, write about their experiences, make new friends, stay sane,” I said as enthusiastically as I could, but the look on her face said it all. “Why?” was oozing out of her.

Now remember, I live in the heart of the Thames Valley, the tech capital of the UK. Many of these mums either have worked in the IT industry, or have husbands who work in IT industry.

They don’t know what a blog is, not to mention RSS.

Though mummy blogging is a huge phenomenon in the US, it is just in its infancy in the UK. A study last year by Blogher reported that more than 36 million women participate in “blogosphere” every week, and 15 million women have their own blogs. A growing number of these women are British.

Mummy blogging hasn’t crossed the chasm, or the pond, but that’s not to say there isn’t an active community. You just have to dig around to find it. In the last six months, I’ve made lots of new friends through blogging, including Potty Mummy, Nappy Valley Girl, Part Mummy Part Me, Little Mummy, Jo Beafoix, 21st Century Mummy, Jen at Alpha Mummy, the list goes on…

It is a bit different here — more cut throat, with a few big egos (and book deals) involved, and lots more “alter ego” blogs with made up satirical content. Though these can be hilariously funny, they miss out on the “the real life” aspect which is blogging’s raison d’être. I’ve also noticed many British bloggers are anonymous.

Through my travels in blogosphere I’ve run into lots of good British mummy blogs and I’ve complied my list of the Best British Mummy Blogs of 2008 (a PR person’s dream).

Also — you can keep up with the British mummy blogging community every two weeks with the Best of the British Mummy Bloggers Carnival. Don’t let the name fool you — there are some dads there as well.

The Best British Mummy Blogs 2008 (in alphabetical order…)

If I’ve missed anyone, please let me know.

And if you want a ranked list, check this out this list of top 100 UK parent bloggers and if you are a UK parent blogger you are welcome to join our social network British Mummy Bloggers.

So, ladies, why do you blog and what do you think about the state of mummy blogging in the UK?

40 COMMENTS

How to create a great mummy blog - Working Mums | WorkingMums.co.uk | 30th Apr 15

[…] It’s not for everyone, but many women enjoy it. Watch out, it can be addictive! Check out the comments on this post, it’s full of reasons why mums blog. And it’s not just mums who blog, […]
The first ever Tots100 Index of British Parenting Blogs and Bloggers — Who's the Mummy? | 4th Oct 13

[…] We also love to read other blogs – particularly those written by fellow parents, mumpreneurs and Mummy-related ventures. But when we looked for a list of influential parenting blogs from the UK, we realised that a list doesn't really exist – although Susanna at British Mummy Blogs has made a great start here. […]
cotswold mum | 29th Sep 10

I’m new to blogging and having read the SHE magazine article I thought I’d give it a go – I actually kept a diary on my computer, which helped to keep me sane(ish)throughout my last pregnancy/housemove/lifechange and thought I could post some of my entries. The above list is really useful for me to check out other people’s blogs – it’s hard to know where to start to look as there’s so much stuff out there!
Thankyou for making life a bit easier!
Gammamummy | 23rd Oct 09

Thanks x
Kalli | 18th Mar 09

Thanks for posting this list. I’ve been searching for other ‘mummy blogs’ for ages and it’s been really hard to find other mums to link to and read.
I never realised just how big the blogging community is ‘over the pond’ and just how behind we are here.
Thanks again. I’m looking foward to checking out the list.
plumsource | 31st Jan 09

Cheers for the inclusion on the list. As you can see, I’m sharp and up to the minute in my noticing! I really enjoy blogging as a creative outlet and a chance for half an hour of me-time with stacks of biccies alongside (well, actually crumbs of which are down INside the keyboard now!)
I’ve had a bit of a rough time lately so haven’t felt in the mood but am picking it up again now. I didn’t fancy doing a warts and all one about me being miserable but I admire (and read!) those bloggers who are v honest about that stuff.
Looking forward to seeing you and the other fab british bloghers around x
Francesca Todd | 29th Jan 09

Thanks so much for including me too!!! I am LOVING reading all the other Mummy blogs, though it’s taking me forever – once little one starts pre-school I’ll be able to indulge my addiction properly…Red Rum xxx
Sass E-mum | 28th Jan 09

Hey – I’m on your list. I feel soooo cool.
I was just having another go at finding more UK bloggers. I know what you mean about UK blogs tending to be more satirical. I also blog anonymously (although with photos) so I’m not exactly helping the blogging community to flourish in the UK.
polonap | 26th Jan 09

he, he
I actually DO speak Slovenian!
http://frisnonovojutro.blogspot.com/
Surprised Mum | 24th Jan 09

Susanna,
Thak you for including me on your list.
I started my blog to allow me to revel in my pregnancy, a pregnancy that was not planned and although ALWAYS greeted with joy by me not always so by PD (Now proud dad). There was so much emotional angst I wanted somewhere to focus positive thoughts.
And now, well it’s a habit and a way of sharing what’s happening in our world and a way to feel a part of the world too.
Keep it up girls, we love you all, you keep us sane.
Hadriana | 23rd Jan 09

Thank you too for including me in your great list.
Why do I blog?
– I blog because it allows me to be creative.
– I’ve always liked writing.
At the moment I’m not blogging as much as I want to…purely because I do not have enough time!
I stay anonymous because I’ve always liked the nom de plume or nom de pixel idea! (Believe me…I am easily identified where I live in the country so I have to be careful about what/whom I write.)
The really private stuff stays in my diary.
I agree with PottyMummy that it allows me to use my brain. (At least I think I do!) 🙂
Francesca Todd | 21st Jan 09

Many, many thanks for including me too. I got a little overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of AMAZING blogs out there after Christmas and guilty that it takes me so long to respond to comments. I threw in the towel! But only for a day, blogging is just too addictive and very satisfying to produce something tangible, particularly when I’ve had a shit day. I lost the momentum last year when we relocated to Kent but am getting my energy back and posting more and reading other blogs again. It really is a fantastic community and I’m looking forward to adding more and more to my blogroll. Thank you again.
aconfusedtakethatfan | 19th Jan 09

Oh wow, Thanks so much for including me on the list, and what a fantastic list of wonderful women it is.
I started blogging to relieve some of the mundane that is being a housewife! I am an ex journalist and wanted to fall in love with writing again.
In the end it hasn’t been much about the writing but more about the friendships and community. In an age where you often don’t know the name of the person who lives next door to you, it is nice to exchange views, frustrations and opinions with like minded people who are going through the same thing. And everyone is SO KIND!!
Beta Mum | 15th Jan 09

How fine and dandy – appearing in a best of list!
I blog because I want to remember things and I lose notebooks and I love to write.
Now my son is using the computer more, I am getting some stick from him about it – but he’s most interested in watching “You’ve Been Framed” on YouTube so he hasn’t plumbed its depths yet.
I will now spend a pleasant hour or so exploring the bloggers I haven’t yet come across.
Elsie Button | 12th Jan 09

Hello, and thanks so much for including me on this list! – sorry it has taken me so long to comment, i am completely out of touch and busy trying to catch up with everyone! Thanks again
More than a Mother | 8th Jan 09

Susanna, thanks so much for including me in your great list. My new year’s resolution is to read each and every one of the fab blogs listed…
Why do I blog? Hmmm, as an absolute newbie (just one month into my blog), I’m not sure I feel qualified to comment. I know why I write; I write because I have to. Because my job doesn’t allow creativity. Because the creativity offered by my role as a mum still isn’t enough. Because I love it. But as to why a blog rather than a diary – I’m not sure? Do I want other people to read it? I guess I do, otherwise why not write in a private journal? But ultimately I blog for me, and I stay anonymous because then the gloves are off, and I can say what I want!
Housewifeinthehighlands | 4th Jan 09

Thank you so much for including me on your list. And, what a list! Why do I blog? Well, I can relate to all the reasons others have given. I blog because it it gives me the chance to reflect and find the gems in an otherwise boring day. I didn’t know about blogging until I heard about wife in the north. I started reading her blog and then other blogs and decided it was exactly what I wanted to do. I love writing and used to keep journals but a blog is better because I write and share my life with others who choose to read it and sometimes leave comments. I have laughed and cried reading the blogs of some of the women on your list. The sharing aspect is wonderful and interesting.
Sometimes, as a stay-at-home mum it is easy to think your life has become insignificant, uninteresting but blogging can make you think differently about what you do every day. It is very significant and sometimes very interesting. It is great to be able to engage my brain now and again!
One aspect I wrestle with is whether to remain anonymous or not. There are pros and cons. I guess, if I wasn’t anonymous I would write more guardedly and be thinking about what people who know me would think.
Fiona Paterson | 24th Dec 08

I’m here too!
British mummy Blogger living in France…does that count? At least I’m this side of the pond.
I was pleased to read your post about this as I thought it was just me that found it hard to find active Brit mummy bloggers. I can see I need to do some more digging, and thanks for the list, that’ll save me a lot of time. I’m looking forward to coming back here after Christmas to catch up with these bloggers.
Homeofficemum | 22nd Dec 08

And you should absolutely definitely add http://katyboo1.wordpress.com for the most hysterical blog out there.
Homeofficemum | 22nd Dec 08

Thank you for including me. What a fab surprise! I blog because if I didn’t my head would fill up with completely spurious things and I’d eventually start talking to the wall just to make room for other spurious thoughts. And walls aren’t known for their dynamic conversation skills. Blogs are much, much better.
Bush Mummy | 22nd Dec 08

Hello and thank you very much for including me. I am thrilled and just danced into the kitchen to tell my husband and children. I think most mums will agree that when you spend 24 hours out of every day looking after your children/family, it means even more to get some kind of accolade or recognition for your blog. It’s not very forthcoming in other areas, but I’m not complaining as I wouldn’t change my lot for all the tea in china!
Why blog? Interesting question and I am totally with you on the blank, uncomprehending look that many people give me when I tell them about it.
I find people react in one of two ways – either extreme enthusiasm and admiration that you are doing something vaguely creative. I found this particularly at the school gate of my daughter’s old nursery and soon found out that I was known as “the mum who writes a blog”
I have several friends who phone me up and tell ME exactly what I’ve been up to because they read it daily! A little unsettling sometimes!
Then there are those who just DON’T GET IT. My brother and sister in law being the main examples. I think they think I need the men in white coats. They are the sort of people who think anything to do with family matters is PRIVATE so I am completely insane to write about my life to the world. I think they are secretly terrified that I am going to write about them (that would need an entire dedicated blog in itself!).
Finally I would just like to say that I feel a tremendous sense of sisterhood since I joined the blogging community. To be included alongside some incredibly talented women is a real honour. The quality and standard of the writing is second to none and I am constantly bowled over at how many clever girls there are out there. If someone was to start a company and hire them all they’d be very successful.
Thank you again for including me and very nice to meet you.
Bush Mummy xx
Emma Bradshaw | 21st Dec 08

Hello there – I have just found this blog from blogher too – http://www.blogher.com:80/mommy-mummy-blogging-across-pond, I really wasn’t too aware of many British bloggers either – so nice to find more. My blog was mentioned on blogher http://emmabradshaw.blogspot.com/ but I am much more familiar with the bloggers across the atlantic! Must try harder to find fellow Brits! Emma
JanMary, N Ireland | 21st Dec 08

I stumbled across this from a post at BlogHer. I am a mummy blogger in Northern Ireland (Welcome to my World), and most of my blogging friends are across the Atlantic. I would love to connect with some more UK bloggers.
I too get “that look” when I say I have a blog….you know “the look” that says “WHY would you want to do that?”
Hope some of you have a moment to drop in on my blog and say “Hi”. I had a moment of madness and decided to blog daily in December about Christmas my christmas preparations/traditions etc. Hope to make it to Christmas Eve!
lulu campbell | 21st Dec 08

OOOH this is so exciting – thank you for putting me on the list – and how lovely to have a whole lot of new friends to check out. Lx
Laura | 17th Dec 08

Sorry for the delay in commenting and thanks for including me on the list!
I used to write funny short stories for friends when they were at University, then my writing fizzled out.
Whilst the children were babies I often thought about writing again – as something they can look back on when they are older (although some of my blog entries will just cause embarrassment for them!), but the time flew by and it was only when I read Wife In The North that I was spurred into finally doing it. My Dad lives in Spain and although we speak and email regularly he loves the blog because it keeps him in touch with the finer details of his grandchildrens lives!
At the same time my friends clubbed together and bought me a creative writing course for my 30th birthday. Due to blogging it has been pushed to the side!
I constantly walk around with a notebook and have to keep it next to the bed as I often come up with ideas as I am drifting off to sleep.
I wish I had more time to blog … and leave comments that aren’t out of date by the time I get round to it!
A Modern Mother (Susanna) | 17th Dec 08

You all really cut to chase. If I were a reporter for a national paper I’d be jumping for joy that the research for a great article is already done…
I expect this list to treble by next year…
Also — if I’ve missed any good blogs — please leave a comment and I’ll add.
cartside | 16th Dec 08

Hi there,
Oh, thanks for the great list, I’m looking forward to reading a whole bunch of new blogs (though I know some of them which makes me even curiouserer). I find blogging quite addictive, it’s personal recording, letting off steam, connecting with others, and enjoyment of writing and creating something. I don’t blog for others, mainly for me, but the beauty is that it can be different for every single blogger.
Twitter? It hasn’t taken hold of me yet 😉
mrsmogul | 16th Dec 08

Ohh well I could have made the list if I were still living in London! Missing Kings Road!
Iota | 16th Dec 08

And I meant to say, thank you for including me in the list. I don’t think I’ve been in the top 46 anything, since I left school.
Iota | 16th Dec 08

Well, I left a comment yesterday, but it doesn’t seem to be there today, which just about sums up my blogging experience – technically challenged, but happy to jump in and give it a go.
I started blogging because I was so lonely after 6 months in the US that I thought I might connect with other British women living over here. I quickly did, and also with expat women living all over the world, non-expat women living at home, mummy bloggers…. you name it. One of the best things about blogging is the amazing variety of people you “meet”. Whatever mood you’re in, you can log on and find a post somewhere that strikes a chord.
I’ve always found writing very therapeutic, and that’s an important element for me in blogging. It never ceases to amaze me how you can churn out your boring old woes, and people will respond with sympathy, humour, practical advice, thoughtfulness.
As others have commented, I love the quality of writing. It’s like having all the very best bits of a Sunday newspaper every day.
As for how it’s developing in the UK, I have to say that I hope it doesn’t become too clever and slick. I rather like the fact that it’s quirky, messy, not very organised. I feel I fit right in.
21st Century Mummy | 15th Dec 08

Thank you so much Susanna – and Tracey too for the big thumbs up. I am thrilled to be included on your list and what a fabulous group of bloggers you’ve pulled together. I can’t wait to get around to visiting everyone. Blogging has been great for helping me find out who I really am. After having kids, it felt like aliens had taken over my life. The blog has been great for making new friends who have helped me stay sane in a world where I could have turned bonkers. Perhaps the government should fund us all to blog…now that would save on alternative therapies. Once the book’s out of the way, I’ll be back on the 21stCM site faster than a toddler can launch a tantrum 😀
Dulwich Divorcee | 15th Dec 08

So excited to be on your list, dear Susanna! I do love my little secret blogging life and I suspect that’s why a lot of us do it – a chance to let off a bit of covert steam about the things that drive mummies mad – like children, daddies and potential daddies, mostly ……
Bee | 15th Dec 08

Susanna – Thanks so much for including me! You definitely have the organizational skills, girlfriend.
I really stumbled upon blogging . . . no one told me about it, and I didn’t know anyone who did it. It turned out to be the perfect outlet for me: I love to write, and I wanted to extend my friendship group. I have found so many like-minded friends in the blogosphere, and I love the fact that you aren’t constrained by geography. I completely avoid “negative” bloggers – instead, I look for people who want to talk about the things which interest me: Food, books, cultural life, gardening, photography, and maybe a bit of children/family life. Even though I am a blogger and a stay-at-home mom, I don’t identify myself as a Mommy Blogger — and actually don’t discuss my children all that much. Instead, I appreciate the fact that blogging gives me access and outlet to all of the other parts of my self.
As other commenters have mentioned, I have been so impressed by the quality of writing and thinking that I have been exposed to through blogging – AND it offers the pleasures of immediacy and feedback.
Well-done, you, for creating this community! I’m going to visit all of your links.
Nappy valley girl | 15th Dec 08

Susanna, thanks so much for including me. As for why I blog? There are a number of reasons and I still haven’t worked out which is the strongest motivator. I am a journalist and write for a living, but most of my work involves a very factual, non-creative kind of reportage. So, I wanted to write something for myself. I also felt that the area in which in live was ripe for satire and that was the original idea for the ‘Nappy Valley’ blog. But as I have gone on, it has become much more about me, my family and my life.
And, what I didn’t expect is the enjoyment I’ve had out of both receiving comments on my blog and reading other people’s blogs. Some of the funniest, most moving and truest things I’ve read this year have been by bloggers – and there are very few print journalists I could say the same about.
Erica | 14th Dec 08

Great list, a few I need to go and have a look at as they don’t seem familiar.
Why do I blog? My blog is my notebook, my daughter drew over my other ones 🙂 I do a lot of thinking out loud on my blog. When you’re a say at home parent adult conversation is lacking and blogging fills that void.
The state of British bloggers, ah, let’s be honest, we’re light years behind the likes of America, but we’re getting there. I’ve been bloggin’ two and a half years, I could count on one hand the parent bloggers then. Now, here you are with a list of 46, and I know of plenty more.
The content of the blogs are great but the technology to deliver the content is lacking. No RSS option, no email option, blogger not using social media. In 2009 I predict that we’ll all become more savvy on this front and I hope we can former a stronger community bond that will help us all blog better.
Just A Plane Ride Away | 14th Dec 08

What a wonderful list–thank you for including! I am looking forward to visiting my fellow bloggers.
Why do I blog? Mainly so our relatives and friends back home in Texas can keep track of us during our stint here in England. Also, I have a terrible memory and was afraid I would forget the everydayness of living here if I didn’t write it all down. It’s pretty handy having a searchable journal 🙂
Is blogging cut throat? Maybe some see it that way. But I’ve met some really nice people through my blog–from both sides of the pond. As Potty Mummy said, I’ve only found support and friendship.
As for Twitter, I know I have been a little slow on the whole social networking thing thinking it was for kids and teens, but it has been interesting dipping my toe into this new way of communicating. I’ve found old friends, favourite artists, and culinary bloggers. It’s just another fun way to keep in touch, isn’t it? I think the trick is trying to find a balance between too much computer time and real life 😉
Audrey | 14th Dec 08

Great list and thanks for including me! I guess blogging for me is like writing a letter and it gives me a chance to articulate what’s going on in my life even if it’s something trivial like finding a dead mouse in my kitchen (eek eeeek!). I don’t think there is too much of a difference between the mommy/mummy bloggers but I think that mainly fits the expat community ones (both US/UK and UK/US). There all pretty funny and erudite. The sad thing about my blog is I find myself quoting my blog or saying something and quoting that in my blog. Sometimes I think I should expand my repetoire but for right now, it works.
Expatmum | 14th Dec 08

Thank you, thank you. I keep asking myself why I blog and get a different answer depending on the day of the week! I am one of those people who fire off letters to newspapers, can’t resist a comment box, and wrote a diary for years and years. Oh yes, and I had a book published a few years ago. (Some day I will find the time to follow that up.) I think I blog because I love to write. I would probably continue posting stuff even if no one read it.
And some of the other bloggers out there are amazing writers that I love to read.
Potty Mummy | 14th Dec 08

First off, thanks for including me on the list, I’m exceedingly flattered as I’m in such good company!
Secondly, well, funny you should ask why I blog. I recently had an e-mailed conversation with a journalist (get me!) and rather than going to the trouble of paraphrasing and simply repeating myself (I have a post to write, you know!), here’s what I said to her – and apologies, it’s not short…
‘As for why I blog? There are so many positives that I can’t imagine why more people don’t do it. It’s a way to record the fun stuff with my boys which I just know I would forget if I didn’t write it down; it’s a way to find the fun stuff in what might otherwise simply be a dull, boring, difficult or shitty day; writing about things helps me to make sense of difficult situations or decisions; it’s given me a window into other ways of life that I might never otherwise have experienced from safe, pedestrian London; it’s helped me connect with a variety of interesting people across the world; and it’s given me something for me, that whilst it is based on my life as a stay at home mum actually takes me out of that.
Most of all though, it forces me to use my brain in a way I otherwise might not. Being a ‘stay-at-home’ is challenging in a lot of different ways, but it doesn’t exactly give you a mental work-out if you used previously to work in anything approaching a creative environment. That’s not to belittle what I believe is an incredibly important job (which is, after all, why I do it), but simply to recognise that for some people, myself included, some form of creative escape is necessary when you’re at home with the children 24/7.’
So that’s WHY I blog. And as to the ‘state of the mummy blogging nation’? Getting stronger every day, I think. As soon as friends of mine work out what I’m up to and tap into the blogworld, they’re hooked. And whilst I’m sure there are cut-throat elements to it all, I have to say that I have been lucky so far and only found support – long may that continue!
Tracey Smith | 14th Dec 08

What a tremendous list! 21st Century Mummy certainly gets my vote too – I know her personally and she’s just what it says on the tin.
(Love the most recent post on the mad bird giving a Chinterview)…
The list gives a wonderful cross section of maternal society – that must have been a tough one to compile.
Nice work missus!
TS
x

The state of British mummy blogging and the best ones of 2008!

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40 COMMENTS

How to create a great mummy blog - Working Mums | WorkingMums.co.uk | 30th Apr 15

The first ever Tots100 Index of British Parenting Blogs and Bloggers — Who's the Mummy? | 4th Oct 13

cotswold mum | 29th Sep 10

Gammamummy | 23rd Oct 09

Kalli | 18th Mar 09

plumsource | 31st Jan 09

Francesca Todd | 29th Jan 09

Sass E-mum | 28th Jan 09

polonap | 26th Jan 09

Surprised Mum | 24th Jan 09

Hadriana | 23rd Jan 09

Francesca Todd | 21st Jan 09

aconfusedtakethatfan | 19th Jan 09

Beta Mum | 15th Jan 09

Elsie Button | 12th Jan 09

More than a Mother | 8th Jan 09

Housewifeinthehighlands | 4th Jan 09

Fiona Paterson | 24th Dec 08

Homeofficemum | 22nd Dec 08

Homeofficemum | 22nd Dec 08

Bush Mummy | 22nd Dec 08

Emma Bradshaw | 21st Dec 08

JanMary, N Ireland | 21st Dec 08

lulu campbell | 21st Dec 08

Laura | 17th Dec 08

A Modern Mother (Susanna) | 17th Dec 08

cartside | 16th Dec 08

mrsmogul | 16th Dec 08

Iota | 16th Dec 08

Iota | 16th Dec 08

21st Century Mummy | 15th Dec 08

Dulwich Divorcee | 15th Dec 08

Bee | 15th Dec 08

Nappy valley girl | 15th Dec 08

Erica | 14th Dec 08

Just A Plane Ride Away | 14th Dec 08

Audrey | 14th Dec 08

Expatmum | 14th Dec 08

Potty Mummy | 14th Dec 08

Tracey Smith | 14th Dec 08

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