2018 has been quite the year, with wild things coming out of the White House, horror in Parkland, and devastation in Paradise. Yet motherhood keeps us grounded and keeps life ticking along with love.
Y’all, we need each other. We need to connect and support one another, both near and far. So thanks for being part of MothersRest for THREE YEARS NOW!
With more than 100,000 people visiting the blog in 2018, here are the highlights. Including what went viral and a HUGE shout-out to the amazing MothersRest guest bloggers.
Top 10 posts for 2018
The most popular posts published in 2018 – in case you missed ’em.
1. How my kid almost crushed my marriage
VIRAL POST ALERT, with 2,300 page views and over 500 shares on Facebook!! Congrats to guest blogger, Sara!
2. How not to be a submissive wife
Here’s to living authentically in marriage. Because we wives are worth it.
3. 10 things you should know about having a C-section
Where we discuss fun things like poop and all the blood…
4. I just want my 18-year-old self to like me
Where we ponder how to define success in our 40s.
5. Teaching your kids how to ask for consent
Because teaching respect starts with a simple conversation about hugs. And because Kavanaugh is now on the Supreme Court.
6. The 6 biggest myths about ADOPTION
Hint: it’s not all about newborns… Oh, and congrats to guest blogger, Corinne!
7. The joys (and crazy) of two kids under two
Where survivors weigh in on the things they LOVE MOST about their Irish twins.
8. Your kiddo needs chores – here’s why
Y’all, I actually got in a fight on Instagram over this post. Because apparently we moms who push chores are lazy devils – say wha’?
9. How to prep for maternity leave like a lady boss
Hint: turn off your damn work email!
10. How to raise generous children – and stock the shelves at the local food bank
Where we explore the benefits of the no-gifts-please, charity-focused birthday party theme.
Your other top faves
The posts published in 2016 and 2017 that you guys can’t seem to get enough of #love
Hey pretty girl, beware the boogie man. Human trafficking is real.
VIRAL POST ALERT, with over 12,000 page views and over 3,000 shares on Facebook!! Congrats to guest blogger, Sharon!
The 10 penis rules for boys
VIRAL POST ALERT, with 9,500 page views and counting!!
Why you need the flu shot – especially if you’re pregnant
Thanks for helping to get the word out about this important health issue.
How to survive 6 hours in the car with a baby
Hint: wear an adult diaper like that astronaut lady.
How to escape swim diaper hell
Hint: it’s all about layering and lots of prayer.
The growing audience
While I decided to quit Instagram (see note above about fighting over chores with crazies on the Interwebs), social media is where it’s at for driving readership.
Facebook: 346 members (vs. 133 in 2016). This social network sent 56% of visitors to the blog in 2018.
Pinterest: I’m totally on board with Pinterest these days. And keep adding boards and pinning like a mad lady. And followers are up to 240 (from 92 in 2016). Pinterest sent 41% of visitors to MothersRest in 2018.
Other fun facts
Number of guest bloggers: 13 fabulous women, bringing you new perspectives on life, sleep, and parenting via these 18 different posts
Number of posts picked up by other blogs and media outlets: 12, and you can read these posts on my Pinterest Press Coverage board
Number of books and resources we’ve explored: TONS, with 17 books highlighted on the MothersRest Resources page and featured in 26 different blog posts
While most of you readers are female, 12% are dudes (hooray for the men!)
Y’all are in the sweet spot for dealing with parenting woes: 43% of readers are aged 25-34, and 29% are aged 35-44
Most of you are from the USA, but I’m excited to extend a BIG HELLO to those of you who hail from Canada, India, the Philippines, New Zealand, Brazil, and Armenia
Check out the stats from 2017 in this blog post. And if you want to start your own blog, here are my tips for how to start one without going crazy (because you have more important things to do – like be a mom.)
Photo credit: BiljaST from Pixabay.com