Bringing Up A Mom (Blogger)
The day Lauren wrote her essay on “Generation Next, Generation Net” 11 years ago, I had no idea I’d end up being a blogger just like her. During those days, diarist or online journallers were relegated to the twenty something and below. Moms did not blog. Our kids must have been so influential in inspiring moms like me to blog. I am not alone. Take a look at JAngelo and his mom, Dine or Aaron Roselo and his mom blogging at AMomandMore.
Having read Lauren’s blog for many years sublimally prepared me for the launch of my blog 10 years later after she started in 1996. Let me count the ways:
1. Content (Good and Original) is King.
Good content shows the blogger’s own personality and flavor. Her story-telling style made it very interesting for her readers of all ages. Good content built a strong readership which she continues to enjoy until the present time. The power of stories to connect, captivate and persuade, creates a great way to grab hold of a reader.
2. Write frequently, write well, write with a voice
A voice keeps visitors coming back to your blog again and again. A voice permits the reader to feel like they “know” you without even meeting you face to face. A voice paves the way for readers to connect to you on a personal level.
3. Being the first doesn’t mean anything
In an interview, she opines that Honestly, I don’t believe that my being the first blogger is a real achievement, because being the first to do something doesn’t really count. Anyone could’ve been the first blogger; it was just due to luck that it happened to be me.
So there are a lot of firsts or pioneers in the Philippine Blogosphere but is it important? So what if I am the first awardee for the blog category or you’re the first blogger to be a so-and-so niche-blogger? It doesn’t end there. I’d rather be known for achieving and sustaining the goals of my blog. Blog goals keep me grounded.
My daughter’s words above ring true and keep me inspired to continue on with my blog advocacy. Isn’t it amazing that we learn so many wonderful things from our children? Our kids keep us in touch with our “inner child” that we never lose sight of no matter how old we get.
How have your kids brought you up?
P.S.
Oh and if you missed the Feature on bloggers by Annamanila in today’s Sunday Inquirer Magazine, here it is:
Click on the Thumbnail of the Sunday Inquirer Magazine feature on Bloggers
This is about me ( a 
I was one of those who missed today’s Sunday Inquirer issue. Ack. thanks for posting the photos of the article, reading now.
And, yes, our kids are sometimes the better teachers.
You are lucky to have blogging mentors in residence! The child is really mother of (wo)man sometimes.
Lookit me … still grade 1 in blogging. hehehe
@chateau- ah good I posted the magazine feature
@annamanila- hehe you are doing great for a Grade 1.
Lauren’s told me about how you know more techie stuff than she does. I seriously wonder if the same situation happens in our home. My mom would probably get a heart attack if she reads my blog. And disown me.
(FYI: A couple of internet-savvy aunts already have)
@Ade- actually I learned basics of HTML from Lauren. We learned it together. I guess I ended up being more techie becuse I had more time to use the computer and she was at school.
Haha, I bet your mom would just laugh
You’re funny.
lots of moms now start young, just see how many there are at PMN.
but for us moms who have sons and daughters who are just way ahead of us in blogging, we call it luck and interest. had it not been for our interest in what they are doing, we would not have been where we are now. though, take note, it took me a while to understand what J Angelo and the rest of my kids were doing. am glad he and his siblings have shown me the ropes (secret–until now i do not know html language, i have to learn, i am afraid they might be impatient with me already).
so, Annamanila, don’t worry with your grade 1 skills, you will soon elevate to the next level, as long as you are interested.
@Sexy Mom- hehe it took me 10 years after Lauren blogged so that gave me an edge , right?
this is the magazine you told me about. you all look great.
teehee, I think my mom caught all my blogwhoring waves now. I think for the most part, all she talks about with me now is about how to improve her blog!
@designPinas- hehe you brought up your mom well