Blogging Lessons from a Toddler
Spending my days being a full time Mom, blogger, and so much more I have an incredible amount of time to just spend thinking.
What I have found to be a huge source of inspiration for my writing is my daughter, Zadey. I have, by far, the most incredible child and I’ll be the first to tell the world.
And in this post, I will… at least I will share with you the lessons that Zadey’s daily life has taught me about blogging.
Lesson 1: Know What You Want
Say what you mean and mean what you say. Make no mistake that if Zadey wants to drink juice she will not be settling for a cup of milk. Don’t accept what other’s feel is best for you. Be honest and express yourself in a way that’s right for you when writing your posts.
By showing your visitors who you are and what your goals are, you allow them to connect with you on some level. A connection is something will create long-lasting readers that return for their daily dose of you and your opinions. There is nothing more interesting in blogs than seeing the true person behind the words of every blog post that is made.
Lesson 2: Dance Like No One Is Watching
Zadey doesn’t care what decade she’s living in, her wild hair throwing Flash Dance routine across the living room proves that no one is going to change her ways. She’s got her form of expression and it’s to dance like no one is watching.
She’d love you forever if you just got up and danced with her. But it won’t change her mind about dancing in front of you if you won’t get up.
Be the dictator of your own process and when it comes to blogging, do first what is best for you. If you’re unable to post, that’s just the way it is. When the blog post that you’re proud of doesn’t get the comments you expected, don’t let it stop you from making the next post or bring down your spirits. While your points may have been good, there just wasn’t anything for your visitors to add to the conversation.
Remember, your blog is an expression of your ideas and thoughts. And unless you’re sharing factual news stories, it’s about you. Don’t let other people’s inability to dance with you stop you from dancing.
Lesson 3: Walk Your Own Way
Zadey spends most of her day on her tip toes, walking and prancing around the house, standing tall and moving at her own place.
Whether you’re jumping, skipping, or tip toeing along to your next destination, move at your own pace. In a fast paced blogging world, keep up at your own level. Sometimes, the best things come to those who are patient. Absorb what you are learning and share it on your blog in your own time. Don’t let the lesson of another blogger stop you from posting the same lesson on your own blog.
Know it, believe it, and walk at your own pace.
Lesson 4: Repetition Builds Knowledge
Just because we read the same 10 books every single day doesn’t mean we’ll change our books tomorrow. Repeating what you know in different formats of posts only enforces what your expertise in your niche or subject of choice. Feel free to revive dead posts with further elaboration and deep link within your posts to other posts that will give further detail and insight.
Adding information builds your knowledge, even when you’re repeating your own information. If you have read I’m Blogging That more than once, you know this is true by watching how many times I have used the word “networking.â€
Be carefree and believe it!
Lesson 5: Alternative Communication
For Zadey, who’s just 2 ½ and learning to talk, she must find another means to communicate when her parents just are getting it.
Your readers don’t always have to get you and you don’t always have to get your readers. But take the time to connect with those who display interest in further communication.
I image that you seek validation when talking to someone, give your commentators the same. Reply to comments on your blog and engage your readers in conversation to openly express their opinions (within reason) in the comments of your posts. Doing so will encourage a community to form around the words of your posts and your visitors will feel so inclined to talk to each other.
Lesson 6: Inspect Every Toy
When Zadey is looking for Hey Bear (a teddy bear she has named herself), she doesn’t stop her search just by dumping out the toy box. She’ll inspect every single toy to ensure visually that she is not passing Hey Bear by! And when Hey Bear isn’t in the toy box, she’ll inspect every single room in the house to find him. Even if that means crawling under the table or behind the sofa.
Do the same with your networking sites! Visit forums and read posts that people have stopped talking in. Hit up all the different categories on a social bookmarking site! You never know when any piece of information, from any subject, will inspire you to write something. Go behind your niche to find interests in other topics that will spark creativity for you. There is a wealth of information out there on a variety of subjects… crawl under the table to connect your interests together under just one niche blog.
Lesson 7: Stay True
Watching Nickelodeon is not the same as watching Playhouse Disney. And when Little Einsteins or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is on in our house, there is nothing else in the world. She knows what she wants and she’s going to watch it, every single day. Keeping her faith that one day, Mickey’s helpers will come and help her too.
If you support a company, cause, or idea, give it your all with each post made on that subject. When you don’t care for the alike, make it be known. It is okay if your ideas are controversial or don’t always settle right for your readers. Standing by who you are will earn you more respect in the end.
Zadey’s Photo was taken by JCPenny Studios Feb. 22, 2008. Please do not save/use this image.
March 11th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Nice Site layout. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Tom Humes
March 11th, 2008 at 9:59 am
First off, gorgeous image of the Zadester. She’s absolutely gorgeous and looks so happy. You and Joanne should be (and I can guarantee you are) so proud of her. But what happened to her nose? She’s got a boo-boo.
Okay, enough gushing over the adorable toddler, XD.
I’ll have to agree. My kids are definitely an inspiration. They’re the reason I started RA as a parenting/blogging blog :) They definitely give me enough topics. One I’ll be posting later today (hopefully) will be because of them. Just gotta get the pictures off the phone :P
Awesome tips as always :)
March 11th, 2008 at 10:11 am
I enjoyed all of your points from this perspective, especially number 5. It is amazing how you can build your community simply by responding to your commenters, visiting those sites that interest you and commenting back.
I didn’t realize this at first, but over the past few months have taken more of an active role and it makes a huge difference. Plus, I now get more ideas from my visitors and have found a lot of enjoyable blogs.
March 11th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Tom » Thanks for the compliment. Looking forward to hearing more from you.
Sarah » Thanks for the words on my Z. She is amazing and we’re incredibly proud. Talks are underway about another. We shall see!
I need to get over to Random Amusements more often. Popping in from time to time just isn’t enough.
Michelle » Thanks! Responding to comments here was the #1 best thing I started doing. And the faster I reply, the even better that it is. Even though that means that my blog spends 100% of my day up on the screen. Making the connections has been worth it. :o)
March 11th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
You’re so right! You got a very cute little girl.. I like Lesson 2: Dance Like No One is Watching.. I guess, as long as you enjoy and you are happy with what you are doing- DO IT! ;)
March 11th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Thats a very interesting perspective indeed! A very relevant point about responding to comments. It makes the readers feel appreciated and some do come back for more. Sadly, I haven’t been doing that lately. :-(..Think its time I do..
March 12th, 2008 at 12:39 am
Phil » Thank you! I’ve gotten lots of comments on Lesson 2 today, seems to be the favorite. :o) If I could pass it along to Zadey and have her understand, I would.
Shireen » While sometimes it feels like a great amount of work to respond to every single comment, it’s been more worth it. Having conversations within the comments of a post is quite fun and very interesting to watch it evolve. Good luck keeping up with your commentators too.
March 12th, 2008 at 9:29 am
I guess I’ve never looked at blogging like this before. Cute. I especially like the point about “dance like no one is watching.” Your writing is quite clever!
March 12th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
OMG what a great post. I love it! That is such a wonderful photo of her sweety! Would love a copy for print and frame. What a beautiful little girl. *hugs*
March 14th, 2008 at 12:58 am
Wow, this was a ridiculously awesome post!! I think Zadey and mommy make such a great blogging team! :-D
I smiled when I read that she prances on her tippy-toes. I was told by my mom that I did the same thing at that age. :)
I think these are really great points to make! Some I knew of, but didn’t necessarily follow all the time, and most are new and enjoyed your twists to the lessons!
Thanks!
March 14th, 2008 at 9:15 am
I love to blog and I have a few faithful readers. Some will post comments for all to see and others just read and go about their day.
I however, do it for me. It relaxes me to sit at the ‘ole pc when I get the chance and talk about my day. (I’m a stay at home)
I too find inspiration from my children. The majority of my blogs are about my kids.
Sometimes I just post something that amused me and I wanna share with the world.
Thats whats wonderful it’s my blog and I can post what and when I want.
A friend sent me a link to your blog and said I just had to read it. I’m glad she did. It’s my first time reading and I did enjoy it. You have a beautiful daughter.
The wonders of children, we get to live life again through their eyes.
March 14th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Becky » I love taking a different perspective when it comes to writing posts. Sometimes the most basic things, like looking at blogging from a toddler’s perspective, is just the type of thing to spark a lot of creativity. “Dance like no one is watching” seems to be the most favorite of this post. Thanks for the compliment!
Manda » Thank you!! I do love this photo, we just did an entire series of pictures with her in her Disneyland hat. She’s in love with it and her personally really shinned through with these photos. EMail me your home address and I’ll send ya over a pic!
Tans » Nice to see you again and thanks for the compliment. One day I’m sure Zadey will have a blog of her own of course however on her own domain. As soon as she’s old enough to form all of her thoughts into sentences that make sense to everyone, we’ll start the Zadey blog. Her having a blog will be vital to her homeschooling. ;o)
Jamie » When it comes to personal blogging, I’ve noticed that there are quite a few visitors that will come read and leave. Sometimes, there’s just nothing to add to someone’s personal life. Don’t let that stop you though!!
Children are fabulous for inspiration and mine has been nothing but great for me on all aspects. Not just blogging but I’ve designed a site or two around a really cute shirt she’s got. She’s also great for a compliment when I need it “coooool” or “oooh wow!”
Glad you were sent the link. I peeked at your blog and I’m going to guess it was Tans that sent you my way. :o)
March 14th, 2008 at 10:45 am
Yes, ’twas moi ;)
March 15th, 2008 at 8:41 am
This post if great! It’s not a blogging lesson, it’s a life lesson. It’s exactly what I needed to read. The best lessons are oftan the so simple. My motto should be “keep it simple stupid”
March 17th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Fran » Thank you! And I agree… sometimes the best lessons are simple. But I can thank Zadey for showing me that these things are simple.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:30 am
I’m also a fan of no. 2: dance like no one’s watching. If you think you have a good idea and enjoy what you do, don’t listen to a million others saying you’re wrong. You’re your own boss here :)
March 18th, 2008 at 5:38 am
Anca » That’s the popular choice! I can’t agree with your input more.
March 26th, 2008 at 10:50 am
Katy, I finally got around to reading this post – the boss is out of the office ;) You know what? You amaze me, you write so well and know how to articulate your point in a way that is fun and interesting. I wish I could do what you do. Love you!
March 26th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Morgan » Thanks sister for the compliments. It makes me smile to see that my very own sister thinks I’m good at what I enjoy doing. And you can do what I do… if you just sit with me long enough. Guess that just means you’ll have to move HERE! Love you too. :D
May 26th, 2008 at 12:02 am
[...] few nights ago, as I waited for my sleep-resistant child to fall asleep on our sofa, I did something I haven’t done in awhile. I grabbed our laptop, [...]