As we reflect on what an interesting, challenging, unique year 2019 was, we look back at which articles resonated most with our readers this year. The following are the top ten most popular blog posts that were published in 2019. Let’s take a little walk down memory lane, shall we?
Number 10: Purge, Declutter, Minimize
What happens when winter brings us both the Polar Vortex of 2019 and the popular Netflix show, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo? Moms everywhere were purging their houses of items that no longer sparked joy. Susie came to the rescue with this extensive list of local places to donate used items or consign them, to give your old stuff new life and keep it all out of the landfill.
Your Stuff Can Still Spark Joy: Where to Donate and Consign Locally
Number 9: Money, Money, Money
Personal finances was an important topic in 2019. Our readers were interested in topics such as saving money, cutting back on excess, debt reduction, and the realities of the poor and working class in America. Anne shared her family’s journey, which resonated with so many others.
Quote from the article:
“I can’t believe how much easier life is when you have money. . . It takes SO MUCH mental energy to scrape by financially. You’re in a near-constant state of stress and anxiety, constantly making and revising mental calculations and bargains. A lot of brain power is freed up when you’re not struggling to make $2.76 last three more days.”
Number 8: Lessons from the NICU
We are so proud to be in the same community as the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, and our NICU mamas are so near and dear to our hearts. Twin mama and three-time NICU survivor, Meg, shared lessons from the NICU that can benefit all moms everywhere.
Quote from the article:
“With my first, I diligently followed a breastfeeding advice book. No pacifiers or bottles for at least the first month in fear of nipple confusion… and no formula. With my second, in the NICU, bottles were something to work toward. Pacifiers soothed her during the many pricks she endured and fortified formula helped her gain weight. The NICU helped me to see that things aren’t always so black and white.”
Number 7: Kindergarten Redshirting
Education was a huge theme in 2019, with parents everywhere opening up about their schooling decisions and thoughts on education. In this article, Nikki shared her family’s decision to “redshirt” their daughter and their values that influenced their decision.
Quote from the article:
“Childhood is all too often boxed into categories with a list of certain criteria that must be met on a specific time table. It is this antiquated idea whereby we force our children to grow up too quickly, based on a demanding box of academic guidelines. In turn, their foundation is left only half-poured, leaving creativity and imagination in the dust.”
Number 6: Local Sledding Hills
The Polar Vortex of 2019 was an event to remember. Parents were desperate to get their kids out of the house and burn off some energy. Anne once again came to the rescue with this list of top sledding hills in the area!
Number 5: Bye-bye, Makeup!
2019 made a lot of us bolder, braver, and willing to buck trends and social norms. Readers resonated with the (sometimes harsh) realities of motherhood and womanhood, rather than the perfectly curated images of social media. In this article, Anne gets honest about one such social norm: makeup.
Quote from the article:
“Deep inside, though, from some secret place, nagging thoughts crept in: Will bystanders turn away in horror? Will anyone listen to me at work anymore? Will I be taken seriously as a human being worthy of existence?
I’m not exaggerating.”
Number 4: Downtown Iowa City Date Ideas
Iowa City Moms was created to be a hyper-local network for moms, and local recommendations always top the charts for what readers want! In this article, Katie Linder curates three fabulous downtown dates for three different demographics: Foodies, Readers, and Doers. If you like food, books, or activities (who doesn’t?), these dates are the perfect way to connect with your significant other while spending time in our incredible downtown.
Number 3: My Two-Mom Family
Iowa City Moms works hard to cultivate a team of writers that speaks to the diverse experiences of moms in Iowa City, with the goal of amplifying the voices of mothers who don’t always get heard. Jen hit it out of the park with this piece about how it feels to be marginalized as a non-traditional family. Readers everywhere resonated with her story of the pain of personal, invasive questions about family biology.
Quote from the article:
“I know the question isn’t meant to be offensive. I know the intention isn’t to hurt my feelings. While families like ours are getting more and more commonplace, we still stick out. Our boys have two moms, and more than likely they will be the only boys in their class with that kind of uniqueness. It is completely natural to have questions about anything out of the ordinary. And I simply cannot wait until our family is ordinary.”
Number 2: Playground Rule-Breaking
In 2019, we weren’t afraid to discuss topics that had the potential to ruffle some feathers! While we take no sides or official stances about these topics, we at Iowa City Moms feel it’s essential to have the conversations–always with respect and an open mind to those who may disagree. Sarah shared several research-backed benefits of climbing up the slide in this controversial article about playground rules.
Quote from the article:
“As long as they are not causing a clear and present danger to themselves or others, or violating a specific written rule of a particular area, I reject the idea that there is a “right way” and a “wrong way” to play, especially on a playground.”
Number 1: Remember Momo? Wow, 2019. Thanks for that.
Our number one article for the year discussed a hot topic of March 2019: the scary character “Momo” that was appearing in the middle of children’s Youtube videos, encouraging children to harm themselves or others. Sarah helped calm parents down from the hysteria, presenting facts, reason, information, and guidelines for helping kids stay safe in a digital world.
Quote from the article:
“But I will recognize that, like it or not, we live in a digital age. Just like it was part of my parents’ responsibility to teach me how to use a pay phone to call home in an emergency, it is part of my responsibility to equip my kids to be good digital citizens, staying safe in the physical as well as the virtual world.”
I’m Not Freaking Out About “Momo.” Here’s what I’m doing instead.
Thanks for an incredible year, dear readers! We have loved sharing content with you this year, and we look forward to a new year of learning and sharing our parenting journeys with each other in 2020!
