My Child favourite mum blogs - Nixdminx

Mum blogs: Nixdminx is a single mum adrift in a sea of recession-led insanity. In between trying to find work and raising her Miniminx, she's created an inspirational (and hilarious) blog to help other parents through these difficult times. She has a natter with My Child.

Can you describe yourself in three words?

Funky London Mum!

Other than being a full-time mummy, what other work do you do?

I am currently full time Mum but usually I work full time. I often take three or four months off between jobs so I can be around my daughter and see what life is like on the other side, and it's great to be at home - but not for too long!

I usually work in communications and have done for a long time. Fortunately, it's quite a female profession and offers lots of flexibility. I know a lot of other working mums in the industry, many of whom are freelance or part timers. I hope to be back at work soon.

I'm an abstract painter as well and like arty things. Before I had my daughter, I spent most of my time at very cool superficial parties, but we all grow up don't we?

How did you first get into blogging?

I started blogging when I lost my last job just as the credit crunch hit in October/November 2008. I thought it would be quite cathartic and didn't want anyone to read it. 

Having a blog has opened up a whole new world of wonderfully entertaining and engaging people, some of whom I have met and others who I share my life with online.  I would recommend it to anyone, people in the parenting space are kind, thoughtful and supportive whatever your circumstances. It is a great affirmation that family life is still alive and kicking in the 21st century and we have somewhere to talk, share and laugh (and cry) about it. The best part has been to be able to write funny stories about my daily life which people enjoy, especially since 2009 has all been doom and gloom in the media. I don't buy newspapers anymore, I read blogs.

What’s the best comment you’ve ever had on your blog?

Recently I hosted a carnival at my blog about the credit crunch and I got a comment from Pressofficeparents.blogspot.com which is run by some lovely people at Parentline Plus, saying: 'We’ve already got a lot of recession tips but I think I’ll put a link to this page around our organisation today. Many, many smart ideas.' I was really pleased because I had pulled together lots of different blog posts on how to save money, plan meals and also some really fun stuff and people can get free advice for free. It made me feel like I was giving something back to society by showcasing all of these great blogs.    

Do you have a favourite blog?

I have quite a list but my really favourite Mummy Blog is Mothership motherhoodthefinalfrontier.com which makes me cry with laughter. Alpha Mummy at The Times is great too - I'm glad to see a national newspaper recognises the growing community of Mummy bloggers. I tend to favour gawker.com and perezhilton.com for salacious gossip.

What’s your proudest parenting moment?

Giving birth and having that immediate parent-child bond was amazing and I have only looked at the photos again twice because I every time I do I start blubbing. 

My daughter makes me proud all the time, I'm especially proud of her when I see how good she is with my autistic brother who is also blind - she helps him walk down the street as if she has been doing it for years and loves him to bits.

Do you have a favourite parenting mantra?

Yes, it's a work hard, play hard one. 'Get this week's homework done at the weekend and you can play all week!'

Can you think of a time when your kids really embarrassed you?

A time? I've lost count...but the fact my daughter used to pull my top down in the supermarket regularly is a goodie. Needless to say, we have a fanbase at our local Tesco.

What’s your biggest parenting concern at the moment?

Adolescence is looming and I hope it's not going to be too difficult. But my day-to-day concern is how digital media advertising and sales are infiltrating our daily lives. A lot of it is aimed at children and not regulated. My daughter is part of the generation of computer natives and I am worried that lots of normal stuff like arts and crafts will be left on the shelf pretty soon and us oldies will not understand any of this new digital stuff.

If you could have do a five minute interview with anyone on the planet who would it be?

I first thought of Barack Obama, then Angelina Jolie but I am fascinated by the female author, Isabelle Allende - she is my favourite writer and a shining role model for women. Her books are inspirational and I love reading them. She writes for children too. I'd like to ask her how she gets into the flow when she writes, and what would her advice be to a budding novelist like me. And finally, would she have me and my daughter over to tea?

Read more from Nixdminx at her brilliant blog nixdminx.com