Coffee with Maria from Happy Mum Happy Child

One of the first bloggers I was introduced to was Maria from Happy Mum, Happy Child and she was someone who totally changed my views on the blogging world. One of the many things that I find inspiring about Maria and her site is how honest she is about herself and what being a parent means and the general ongoing peaks and troughs that you learn to start wading through.  So many women find Maria’s support, her sharing posts weekly and her open discussions every week on live Facebook chat where she engages with people so refreshing, helpful and positive.  For many women it is about feeling that they can connect with like-minded people and that someone else understands, sometimes the talk and blog posts are funny and other times they are sincere and thought provoking.

Maria talks openly and candidly about post-natal depression, how wonderful being a parent is but all the really hard times as well.  She also features some fantastic products and also holds link parties to help other bloggers connect and get to know other like-minded bloggers.  How she finds the time, I don’t know!  I asked her if she had a spare 5 minutes to answer a couple of question and she kindly offered (I hope the kids weren’t grabbing at her ankles too much) to help me find out a bit more about her.

 

How did you get into blogging and what made you decide to start yourself?

I used to do a lot of activities with my kids and was encouraged by my friends to start a page up that documented the activities I did.  So I started a website and Facebook page.

How do you balance a busy life with kids, a life and writing a blog?  What are your tips for managing it all?

I get up early every morning, 4.30am to be exact!  I try to do work then, and when my kids go for a nap. Some days it can be overwhelming, and other’s I feel like I have it together (HA!).  I am also lucky my husband takes the kids out on the weekend, so I can get a bit of work done then.

Your blog has grown hugely successful in a short amount of time.  What are your top tips for new bloggers and gaining some momentum?

My biggest tip is just to be yourself and don’t expect millions of followers straight away. It certainly didn’t happen like that for me, and if you have a Facebook page you will know how hard it is to get any kind of momentum from there. Just keep at it and do what you love

What is your favourite thing to do just for you in your spare time?

I love watching Netflix, taking naps (HA!), and having a glass of wine

If you could wake up tomorrow and be in the body of someone else, who would it be?

Anyone who doesn’t have Coeliac Disease … because then I could go to Burger King and not suffer afterwards HA!

What are the top amazing things that your blog has enabled you to do or discover?

I have met (in person AND online) so many wonderful mothers. Each one of whom has their own story and journey – and I have learned from everyone. I also feel so much less alone in this parenting journey thanks to them.

If someone walked up to you asking for your advice and you only had a few minutes to give ‘em your best tip in life, what would it be?

As hard as it may seem, try not to worry about what others think.  Do your thing, and be confident in it – even if it doesn’t work out.