Thank you to each and every blogger who entered the awards this year – thank you for pouring your heart out in these posts. Your unique writing does not go unnoticed. Your voice has been heard. And we want to celebrate you!

Thank you to the incredible team at Baby Yum Yum for all their help, assistance and graphics that have given these awards the lift that they needed! We really do appreciate you!

Thank you to our sponsors: SA Mom Blogs, Lily Rose Bags, IsiPharma Skincare, Just Family Things and Social Kids. Thank you for rewarding our talented writers, we are so grateful to all of you.

Thank you to our judges! It take a lot of time to read through all the entries and make the difficult decisions that you had to do this year. Thank you for the wisdom that you brought to this process. Thank you most of all for the heartfelt comments which I will be including: this is very encouraging to our bloggers.

Some categories did not make it this year due to lack of entrants, but we will go ahead with those that had enough people.

Please note that although in each category we have first (winner), second (runner up) and third (highly commended) there are also mentions. Mentions are where the judges have made comments on the entries which I would like to share and use to encourage you to keep writing!

Health and Wellness

Highly Commended:

Tracey Stelloh: Kaydence for The best form of pampering for me – Get fit for a Queen!

“Engaging and Motivating” Laurel Pretorius.

“A personal, encouraging and empowering story of how Tracy started boxing. Great pictures too.” Heather Step

“I loved that it highlighted not only the physical but also mental health aspects of boxing. Very informative and encouraging piece.” AIsha O’Reilly

Runner up:

Taryn Dekel: Postpartum Directory for Postpartum Psychosis and Hiring a Doula

“Highly informative and relevant” Laurel Pretorius

Winner:

Katiso Ndumo: OT Mom Blogger for Mom Brain Fog and Sleep when the baby sleeps

Do you remember the time when you felt a bit out of touch with yourself, especially your brain because you were so forgetful during pregnancy? And everyone around you just jokingly said, “hahaha, pregnancy brain”. However, you realise that this pregnancy brain is still a thing couple of months post-partum. Could it be mom brain fog?

Well, there you have it mom brain is a real thing, not just experienced during pregnancy but even post-partum. Here is why: It is well-known that a woman’s physical changes during pregnancy is unavoidable, however there are less discussions on the neurobiological effects that pregnancy has on a woman’s brain. Did you know that when a woman is pregnant, the gray matter in her brain shrinks?

“She shares important messages in a personal and relatable way.” Aisha O’Reilly

“To actually have validation that “mom brain fog” is a real, scientific phenomenon is so comforting.” Heather Step

Travel and Photography

Mentions:

Janine Avery of 5 Star Stories for Iconic family destinations to visit in Durban and surrounds and A family weekend in the winelands.

“Engaging, lots of easy to read information” Laurel Pretorius

Teresa Ulyate: Cupcakes and Couscous for Small Batch Chocolate Liqueur Brownies and Bar one cookies.

“Made me want to eat the page, also some friendly recipes to make for the family.” Aisha O’Reilly

Highly Commended:

Tracey Stelloh: Kaydence for Crawfords Beach Lodge Review and Exciting travels in and around Gauteng made easy with Sani Car Rental

“She writes in informative yet casual detail all of the amenities of the resort and a list of things to do in Joburg with your kids. Her posts make me want to take my kids somewhere interesting and book our next family holiday!” Aisha O’Reilly

Runner Up:

Sara Essop: In Africa and Beyond for Tintswalo Family Camp: An Idyllic Family Safari Hideaway and 18 Best Things to do in Budapest, Hungary

In the Shangaan language, the word Tintswalo means “the intangible feeling of love, gratitude and peace that you bestow upon someone who has given you a meaningful and worthy gift.” Love, gratitude and peace are certainly emotions you will feel strongly when staying there

“Detailed review” Shaney Maharaj

“Sara is the professional travel blogger. Not only are her photographs impeccable but she also crafts her words to elevate the places she travels to.” Heather Step

Winner:

Jaclyn Goliath: Cape Town Mommy (Wins Jenga Table from Just Family Things) for Our First Family Trip to the Winelands and Country Charm in Sunny Swellendam

I think I appreciate getting away so much more since lockdown and since having a baby. Just to get out of the everyday routine can do wonders for your relaxation and I would recommend it to everyone at least once a year.

“Engaging, informative, great images, easy on the eye and an easy read,” Laurel Pretorius

“I liked Jaclyn’s post because there was such a background story to this travel experience – the way it was put off due to Covid, and having a baby, so that the event was ever more special. It’s also told through the lens of having a baby on board and how that was managed as well.” Heather Step

Parenting

Highly Commended:

Refilwe Ramatlhodi Ndhlovu: HeartWork Inc. for Checklist for perfect motherhood and Growing Pains.

Oblivious to the stares, I let out a wail. Another public declaration that I was incapable of being Mom because I could not hold it together during a crisis. I’d recently learnt of the power to allow yourself to feel so I let it all out without much care to the stares. Despite the empowering knowledge I had, the concept of there’s a time and place for everything hit me when B came to assure me it was ok and I should not cry. At this, I thought OMG! Now I’m embarrassing her crying like a baby here at school. The mom-guilt was searing. I just couldn’t understand how good of a mom I was when I missed two of my daughter’s most important performances. To add salt to injury, I’m crying publicly, embarrassing her in front of the whole school (take note that I was sitting right at the back, sobbing silently and eventually went to the bathroom to wail from there).

There’s no right or wrong way to have handled this situation but the mom guilt stayed with me until I decided to forgive myself. I chose to walk in grace.

“Refile educates us, but at the same time shares intensely personal stories as a mother to show her failings as well as her determination to do better.” Heather Step

“Funny, relatable and honest” Aisha O’Reilly

Runner up:

Karabo Mokoena: Black Mom Chronicles for Do conscious parents discipline their kids? and Mental health at the centre of conscious parenting

This morning, I had to take a breath as my 5-year-old sassy daughter woke on the wrong side of the bed, and it was a painful morning of trying to get her ready for school. I heard “leave me alone” and “don’t touch me” countless times. It was hurtful, to be honest, and when I recognised that I was feeling hurt by the behaviour of a 5-year-old, I took a step back. I realised that I felt like she was being rude and disrespectful, and with some regulation, I realised that that’s the lens I am viewing her behaviour, and that might not be the truth of what is happening. Navigating my hurt and acknowledging that my 5-year-old daughter is not responsible for my feelings encouraged me to regulate and carry her with love. So, when she kept shouting that I leave her alone, I asked; “I can see that you are not okay, so are you sure you would like me to leave you right now?” “No”, she shouted back.

So, her brain and body wanted me to leave her alone, but her heart knew that I was what she needed at that moment.

After a good cry and a cuddle (which we HAD to make time for), she was well on her way to school.

“Thought provoking and informative. An excellent read for all moms” Laurel Pretorius

“Thoughtful, insightful and informative. She used great personal examples to help the parent reading it to improve their parenting journey in a friendly way.” Aisha O’Reilly

Winner:

(Wins Social Kids prize): Kirsten Nel, The Bird and the Beard for Is This The End Of Gentle Parenting As We Know It? and Mombrain Explained – And What You Can Do About It

Parents have become so gentle they’re basically flapping in the wind every time their kid breathes.

They say one of the marks of a gentle parent is one who can ask, “Do I feel peaceful most of the time, and does my child perceive my parenting as peaceful?”.

I tell you what, those times when my kids have asked me the same question 52 times while I’m finishing up a Zoom meeting, I definitely don’t feel peaceful, and there’s no way my parenting (or my household) could be perceived as peaceful.

When my children look like they’re going to have a tantrum because I won’t let them buy the Paw Patrol lucky packet in Checkers, I’m not going to give them a choice of Paw Patrol or Frozen, because they’re still winning.

Or get down on my knees and tell them I understand they’re frustrated and wait until they’ve calmed down. I know my kids – this can take an hour! I don’t have an hour to talk about Paw Patrol!

“Well written, engaging and will resonate with moms at all stages of life,” Laurel Pretorius

“Funny, relatable and honest. I admire the audacity in passionately sharing her motherhood story and speaking on things we’re not “allowed” to say out loud! (I wish she had entered for Best Overall Blog)” Aisha O’Reilly

“Excellent and funny as ever.” Heather Step

Inspirational

Mentions:

Kate Botha: Wearing All My Hats for Freedom’s Song and Back on the Bedroom Floor

“Kate shares her brutally honest battle with depression and the consequences of it for her feelings towards her children.” Heather Step

Katiso Ndumo: OT Mom Blogger for Journey of Self- rediscovery and Breastfeeding and your mental health

“Speaking from the heart and personal experiences made me feel like she was talking to me even though it was for moms in general.” Aisha O’Reilly

Highly Commended:

Leanne Johnson: Pause | Read | Engage for Little Girl Dreams and I was 7 years old on the 16 June, 1976.

The problem with little girl dreams is that this delightful and imaginative idealism is formed in a vacuum. Missing from their wish lists are the steps, values, grit and determination to move them from childhood dreaming to nurturing activists; women equipped to actually change the world.

“Engaging, interesting, informative,” Laurel Pretorius

Runner Up:

Judy MacGregor: Fun Mamma SA for Why I had to let go of the “mom guilt” and How to truly love in your relationships

That night, I cried many more ugly tears. I cried for my children whom I missed tremendously, for the memories and moments I had and was losing with them, for the moments I felt I had failed, for the uncertainty of what to do, for the guilt of loving a little baby if my other children weren’t with me and for the love of the only person who had ever let me be vulnerable enough for them to be strong for me.…….

The guilt didn’t just disappear,  it didn’t get less, and some days, it felt heavier, but it became manageable. It stopped being the focus of the day, and it no longer dictated the mood of our home.

The guilt was recognized. It was compartmentalized, and it was reminded that you can only change the future. Slowly, we found a new normal. This may not look like another families normal, but it is ours.

And

If there is one thing 31 years of parenting has taught me, it’s to find what works for  your family, even if it doesn’t look the same as what works for other families.

If you are working through some mom guilt, know that you can’t change the past but you can change the future. Be brave enough to live for today and let go of the guilt in order to change tomorrow.

But most importantly know that you are enough mamma, exactly as you are.

“Judy writes about the emotional rollercoaster of an unexpected pregnancy and the mom guilt it unleashed. I think as moms, whatever guilt you are facing, her decision to deal with the guilt and move on, is very inspirational.” Heather Step

Winner:

(Wins Social Kids Prize) Tamlin Wightman: With Child and I for I Love All Seven Months Of You and Happy Tears.

I looked into that face and saw myself, my everything, all the years to come, all the days and nights I need to keep you safe, the million ways your face will change and yet still show me me. It wasn’t the right time to cry and happy tears are never really well understood, but I felt it so fiercely: love and pride. When you look at me, this is what I feel. In secret or in a crowd, when I know I am yours and you are mine.

“Such a joy to read. Written so beautifully and poetically. I kept wanting to read the next sentence, it flowed so well. The love she has for her son is palpable.” Aisha O’Reilly

“Wonderful writing. Great storyteller.” Laurel Pretorius

Social Media: Text and Image

Mentions:

Pri Naidoo: The Awake Mama: for this post

“Love how raw and relatable it is.” Shaney Maharaj

Nadia: 2girliesmummy for this post

“Emotional, descriptive and able to pull me in and feel as though I am her. Heart-wrenchingly beautiful.” Aisha O’Reilly

Tracey Stelloh: Kaydence: for this post

“Heartfelt, tender and useful take on motherhood.” Laurel Pretorius

Highly Commended:

Thando Msomi: Modern Zulu Mom for this post.

“A stunning picture and some important self care points. How’s this: “Celebrating others who are in their “winning season” without comparing myself to them.” Heather Step

“Uplifting, positive and motivating,” Laurel Pretorius

“Always inspiring us!” Shaney Maharaj

Runner Up:

Don Dinnematin: The Don Father for this post.

“A stunning father tribute as one who did not have a very present father.” Heather Step

“Vulnerable, expressive and refreshing to hear from a father.” Aisha O’Reilly

Winner:

Karabo Mokoena: Black Mom Chronicles for this post and this post.

“Took me in straight away with her storytelling and ability with words. Made me think more deeply about mothers’ mental health and raising children with compassion.” Aisha O’Reilly

““Inequality will always be our greatest enemy:’ powerful words from Karabo” Heather Step

Social Media: Video and Reel

Mentions:

Amy Lalouette: for this post and this post.

“Funny and real take on motherhood.” Laurel Pretorius

Nadine Smallberg: Smallberg Party of Four for this post and watch this one.

“Ouma rusks were shot beautifully and captured nostalgic moments.” Aisha O’Reilly
“Feels lovely and homegrown – there is a sense of story in her videos.” Laurel Pretorius

Highly Commended:

Luchae Williams: My Spreadsheet brain for this post. (and also watch this one)

“Love her take on this song.” Shaney Maharaj

“Luchae embodies the joy of being proudly SA, waving the flag and dancing while promoting Food Lover’s Market. Then she dons some proudly SA clothes while belting out “Brown Skin Girl” Heather Step

Runner up:

Kutlewano: for this reel (and also watch this one)

“Her reel about accepting that you can never keep the house tidy with a toddler is so reassuring. Also her year in review is so perfectly timed with the music and aspects of her life.” Heather Step

“Cute and funny! So relatable.” Shaney Maharaj

Winner:

Cherise Roberts: Single Joburg Mom Blog (Wins Social Kids) for this post

“This video was funny, insightful and relatable. Most importantly, entertaining and made me want to watch it over and over again.” Aisha O’Reilly

“Cherise totally gets how we feel when we have to say goodbye to our maid for the December holidays. How are we actually going to cope?” Heather Step

BEST PARENTING BLOG 2023!

Mentions:

Tamryn Geldenhuys: It’s a Sher thing: for The Worst Day of My Life

“Love how honest and raw she was in her post. 😊 It takes a lot to share such a personal emotional story.” Shaney Maharaj

Karabo Mokoena: Black Mom Chronicles: Do Conscious Parents Discipline their Kids? and Mental Health at the centre of Conscious Parenting

“Honest, highly informative and engaging, comprehensive parenting advice.” Laurel Pretorius

Amy Lalouette: Mommy’s Off Her Meds: for To read or not to read and On Wednesdays we wear Pink

“Amy, you make us laugh. You show us what’s important and what clearly isn’t. Plus, you help us see Shakespeare in a whole new light.” Heather Step

Third place: Highly Commended:

Kate Botha: (Winner: Isipharma Skincare) for Freedom’s Song and Back on the bedroom floor

How long I have wanted to write! But words have failed. They find me in my dreams. They appear as I fall asleep. So clear and so raw. But then when I wake, they’re gone. And I have to live another day. I don’t want to die. But I don’t know how to live. I want to talk to the Lord. And I do. But I don’t know what to say anymore. I don’t know where to start. I don’t want to open the box I’ve shoved everything into for fear that I’ll never be able to shut it again.

How strange that I can walk out of my front door and many would never know. How ironic that I can laugh and genuinely laugh or smile and really mean it, but come away with the thorn still deeply embedded in my side. How incongruent to have fun and thrive around others so they have no idea the daily battle I lose. How ironic that many will not be able to marry the two parts of me that seem so conflicting yet are true to who I really am.

“Haunting and emotional, her posts make you think, cry, resonate and admire. A true writer.” Aisha O’Reilly

“Kate writes a very uncomfortable but important post on child trafficking. She also writes about her own, very real and raw battle with depression.” Heather Step

Second place: Runner up:

Lisa Shipster: (Wins Lily Rose bags) Learn with Confidence for “My child feels like a failure”: How to use the Power of Yet to give your child hope and Are these 4 obstacles stopping you from developing your child’s fine motor skills?

When your child feels like a failure, it’s a bit like being in a deep pit. You can’t expect them to just jump out of it. The only way to climb out is to do it one step at a time. 

That’s the Power of Yet – it can transform how our child experiences challenges and how they respond to failure. 

It gives our child one step of hope at a time that they can rely on to eventually step out of feeling like a failure. 

A statement like “I can’t do it” is so final, so limited, so limiting: That’s it. There’s no way to change. I can either do it or I can’t, and I can’t so there.

But when you add “yet” to the end… 

It becomes “I can’t do it yet.” This ain’t the end. There’s still a chance that I could learn to do this. I might not be able to do it right now, but one day I will. 

“Such a refreshing read.” Shaney Maharaj

Winner of SA Parenting Blog Awards 2023:

Tamlin Wightman: With Child And I (Wins R1000 Sorbet voucher): for I love all seven months of you and Our breastfeeding journey

You were so small and I held you like you were the most precious thing in the world. Because you were. You are. I was so consumed with holding you properly so you could drink with ease that I sacrificed my posture a lot of the time. I was very tense. But I would do anything for you. I tried all the different hold styles but eventually you grew, I worried less about you being fragile, and I learnt to feed you in a more reclined fashion…

I didn’t realise I’d be the mom talking to a stranger while whipping up her top quickly to put baby to the breast. But I am. The reactions are funny, mine too. I have no shame, no discomfort. Baby needs to feed. You’ve given me this, confidence in motherhood, calmness. I’m so grateful for our breastfeeding journey.

“It felt like I was reading a love letter to her child. So beautiful and pure.” Aisha O’Reilly

“Tamlin crafts words in her posts in a very skilled way as she shows us how her baby is growing and how she is growing too, in her confidence as a mother.” Heather Step

“Wonderful storytelling from a mom’s perspective, well written, writing to her child makes the blog original, interesting, charming and poignant” Laurel Pretorius

That’s all for the 2023 SA Parenting Blog Awards! Thank you to all who have helped along the way! I really appreciate all of you!