The BEST of Jacksonville Mom: Top 10 Blog Posts of 2024

As we wrap up the craziness that has been 2024, we continue to be amazed and humbled at how much Jacksonville Mom has grown and evolved over the years. But most of all, we are so very thankful to you, our readers, for your consistent support. Jacksonville Mom has always been, and will always be, for YOU.

That said, we wanted to share our top 10 most-read blog posts from this year, along with a few beloved honorable mentions. Sit back, relax, grab your favorite bev (coffee or mimosa… we’re not judging), and look back at the past year and laugh… or cry. Or heck, at least get some good ideas for local parks and date nights. Happy reading!

Jacksonville Mom Top 10 Blog Posts of 2024

swimsuit

“It was a beautiful, hot summer day, the water was still cold, and everyone was enjoying themselves to the fullest… until a couple of teenage lifeguards approached me and my friend an hour after our arrival. ‘Ma’am, we’ve had a couple of complaints about your swimsuit.’ EMBARRASSING. How embarrassing it was to be in trouble with two girls half my age. Embarrassing to be told I needed to cover up or leave. Embarrassing that I had to tell my son I couldn’t swim with him anymore. Because in that park somewhere, was someone who was embarrassed by a body that wasn’t theirs.”

mental health

“To the outside world, it looked like I had it all together. In many ways, I guess I did. I loved my job, the unpredictability of covering storms, and the thrill of live TV. But behind that smile, I was running on empty, pushing through exhaustion, and ignoring the little cracks forming beneath the surface.”

functioning alcoholic
“Why would Taylor Swift call herself that? I’ve seen footage of her chugging a beer at a Chiefs game and photos of her drinking white wine. And she’s allowed to do those things! She should do those things. If I were her, I would do those things, too. But I can’t. You see, the first time I ever called myself an alcoholic was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to say.”
“As I was making my way up the stairs, I heard screaming from my son’s room — and then I saw blood. He had a huge gash on his cheek. Every time he moved his mouth, the cut just gaped open, and I knew this was going to require something more than just a Band-Aid. While I was consoling my son, I was perplexed as to what could have caused this.”
taylor swift
“We have to remember that Taylor isn’t a teenager anymore. She’s 34 years old and has experienced a fair share of heartbreak, loss, judgment, success, happiness, chaos, and grief, all while in the public eye. So she’s singing about mature things in her newer songs? Uhhhhh, yeah. I’d be more worried if she was still singing about the things she did when she first debuted. A naughty word thrown in here and there? I’m okay with that, because I, too, use some of these words regularly as a form of expression. (Life is hard, okay?)”
family fun
“When my husband and I first found out we were expecting eight years ago, we vowed that we’d always have fun together AND as a family, and that we wouldn’t let becoming parents stop that for us. Here are some of my favorite places and activities you might not think of (or even know about!) when seeking some family-friendly time out of the house.”
pay the bills
“Here’s the truth: Yes, my husband works hard, and his job provides us with the opportunity to enjoy the lifestyle we have. But I have to remind myself that I’m also working hard and pouring everything I have into raising two incredible humans.”
hurricane prep
“As a meteorologist and a mom, my brain is constantly split in two during hurricane season. One part is focused on the science — the atmospheric variables, the potential landfall, the intensity. The other part? That’s all about making sure my kiddos are safe, entertained, and blissfully unaware of the looming storm.”
green screen

Learn more about Lauren Rautenkranz’s transition from First Coast News meteorologist to stay-at-home mom: “As much as I loved tracking the weather, a new adventure was calling my name: full-time motherhood. Life’s forecast has certainly changed, and while toddlerhood can be chaotic at times, we’re in a season of finding our new rhythm.”

stanley
“Please someone explain to me the hype around Stanley Tumblers. I really don’t get it and think the trend is rather stupid. It’s a cup with a straw. It keeps your drink cold. Whoopdie doo. So does a normal cup with ice in it.”

A Few Honorable Mentions...

The Most Popular Local Guides...

Still Trending...

Now we want to hear from you! What were some of your favorite Jacksonville Mom posts from 2024? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks again for a crazy, but awesome year, and we look forward to what 2025 has in store. Happy New Year!

Tina Smithers Peckham
Originally from Kansas City, Tina Smithers Peckham relocated to Jacksonville, FL, with her dear husband, feisty cat, and sweet-natured corgi mix in 2016. After eight years working various gigs in New York City from magazine publishing to digital marketing, Tina joined the world of freelance, writing and reporting for a variety of publications and websites including MTV News, ET Online, Glamour, Us Weekly and more. Tina has also assisted with social media, editorial and, content strategy for brands and personalities such as Britney Spears, Jordin Sparks, Beauty Brands, truTV and WE tv. When she’s not plugging away on her laptop, she can be found exploring the Jacksonville beaches, reading a good book or enjoying a local coffee shop with her cherub-cheeked little boys, Archer and Austin.

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