Meet Fun Mamma SA Judy: "Having adult children and now parenting a young child for the second time around my joys are ... mostly how to trust my gut and not sweat the small stuff."

Today we meet South African mom blogger Judy, who blogs at Fun Mamma SA. Judy was also last year’s winner in our Covid category in the SA Parenting Blog Awards, which is open for entry till the end of August.

Blogger Judy MacGregor who blogs at Fun Mamma SA with her son Hamish.

1. What do you get up to in a normal day? (describe yourself)

I’m a work from home, homeschool mom. I create content, promote the Cricut SA brand, write for clients and am a blogger/ influencer.

On a normal day I start my morning answering emails and uploading social media posts for my blog. I then homeschool Hamish ( who is in grade R) between 8am and 12pm and we break for a lunch which is when I also clean up our home. I start work again from about 2pm and will schedule my meetings for then, write for clients, complete my blog posts or work on content. Hamish normally plays till around 4.30 /5pm when I start the evening shift of supper, bath and bedtime. After 8pm I continue working until around midnight.

2. How do you feel about motherhood?

I love motherhood. As a young girl all I wanted to be was a mommy. 30 years of parenting and 7 children later, my children are still my greatest achievement.

I think if I had to think of something I struggle with is the definite change in parenting over the years. Whilst so many changes have been positive, I do think there is a lot more judgement among moms, especially online and much less of a “villiage” support system .

Having adult children and now parenting a young child for the second time around my joys are knowing when to slow down, how to enjoy and preserve the moments and mostly how to trust my gut and not sweat the small stuff.

3) Tell us about your kids.

I have 7 children.

Judy's children at her daughter's wedding.

I have two daughters Tammi ( 30) and Kerri ( 19) and I have 4 sons ( Dylan 27, Shaun 26, Byron 23 and Ronan 21) from a previous marriage and a 5 year old, Hamish from my current marriage.

Judy with her husband on their wedding day

4) How did you start blogging?

I started a Facebook page – Fun Mamma SA 10 years ago, to share resources and ideas I found useful as a homeschool mom. Around this time I also started guest blogging on other parent and homeschool websites.

In 2016 Hamish was born and I started my own blog, originally as a diary for him to record all his milestones and the activities we did together.

5) Share a valuable tip for blogging.

When it comes to blogging all the experts will tell you to find your niche, and whilst that is important it is just as important to stay authentic and let your voice and personality shine through your words.

As a blogger it is important to be honest but you have a responsibility to share things that are true and not hurtful or at the expense of others.

Not every opinion needs to be shared. If your opinion is one that will disrespect, intentionally hurt or be offensive, keep it to yourself.

You may not be read (or liked) by everyone but that’s OK. You honestly aren’t reading every blog out there either.

And lastly be consistent, believe in yourself and write from the heart.

6) Making money from your blog

I monetized my blog a few years ago. I do this by writing for brands on my blog, sharing press releases, offering paid and trade reviews, and advertising.

I would say if you are looking to get started in monetizing your blog start by identifying your niche. This will assist you to find the right clients.

Set up a media kit and start sending it out to brands or PR agencies you want to work with.

Be selective. Not every job will benefit your own personal brand.

Don’t be afraid of turning down a brand that is not a good fit. For example, I don’t advertise/ work with any alcohol or cannabis brands.

Remember, If you have a platform, you have a voice and if a brand has approached you your platform is valuable.