As we wrap up the craziness that has been 2023, 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 hiking trails. Happy reading!
Jacksonville Mom Top 10 Blog Posts of 2023
“When the time came for the doctor to stitch him up, Tanner was obviously scared, so I stayed close, rubbing his cheek and telling him everything was going to be ok. I glanced up at the doctor pulling the sutures through my son’s open skin. BIG mistake.”
“March 13, 2023, was supposed to be a great day. But two hours in, my husband called. My heart rapidly dropped, and I immediately started panicking because nothing good ever happens when your husband calls you before lunchtime. ‘Which kid?!’ I frantically asked. He replied, ‘Both kids are safe, but I take it that you didn’t see the email that the preschool sent out.’ I placed him on a brief hold as I began reading the email. As I continued to read, I could feel my eyes bulging out of their sockets.”
“Now, as an adult woman and mom, I laugh to myself when someone is baffled that I’m still a huge Swiftie at age 37, as if Taylor is still writing songs on her bedroom floor about her first high school heartbreak. Sure, her first single was released when she was 16, but in those 17 years since Taylor has literally grown up before the world, and her music has evolved right along with her.”
“My kids don’t need to validate me, or how hard I work, or what I spent on Christmas. If you really need that from your children, you also may need to talk to a professionally licensed therapist, because WHO HURT YOU ABOUT SANTA? Even the Grinch came around about Santa. I said what I said.”
“Still reeling a little from dealing with the whole of 2023, I desperately wanted to take a trip for Thanksgiving instead of slave over a hot stove. My 6-year-old had never seen snow and was begging us to take him somewhere he could throw a snowball. So, I did a little research, and we decided to travel south to visit the Gaylord ICE! in Orlando at the Gaylord Palms Resort. Do I recommend it? Yes! With some caveats.“
A Few Honorable Mentions...
The Ugly Secret of Travel Sports by Dominique Landry
The Awkward Question and Lifesaving Choice by Brittany Hutto
Middle Schoolers: Ignore Them, Push Them, and Let Them Suffer by Meredith Loudenback
Jacksonville’s Parks & Playgrounds: As Rated by a 6-Year-Old (and Her Mom) by Blakeley Vinicky
Why I Encourage My Kids to Skip School (and You Should, Too) by Nikki Clowers
The Dangers of Water Beads by Maya Sutherland
Parenting Healthy Children After Childhood Trauma by Nikki Clowers
Suffering in Silence: The Uphill Battle of Infertility by Leah Maieski
Presents You Should Never Buy for Children by Meg Sacks
The Bridegan Foundation’s Bexley Boxes: Comforting Children Through Trauma by Kirsten Bridegan
The Most Popular Local Guides...
The Ultimate Jacksonville Brunch Bucket List by Tina Peckham
Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Jacksonville by Meagan Vesta
Summer Camps In & Around Jacksonville by Chantel Beidleman
Best Date Night Restaurants in Jacksonville by Amber Junker
Best Indoor Play In & Around Jacksonville by Mischelle Storm
Hidden Gems: 21 Best Parks & Playgrounds In Jacksonville by Tina Peckham
Guide to Great Family Hiking Trails in Jacksonville by Meredith Loudenback
Blueberry Picking Farms in Jacksonville by Chantel Beidleman
Guide to Drive-In Movie Theaters In & Around Jax by Corinna Hoffman
Guide to Family-Friendly Breweries Around Jacksonville by Blakeley Vinicky
Still Trending...
Dear Husbands: Mother’s Day is Not About Your Mom by Cassy Fiano-Chesser
10 Kid-Friendly Day Trips from Jacksonville by Kacey Roache
Levi’s Story: The Real Truth About Drowning by Nicole Hughes
Water Park Day Trips from Jacksonville by Kacey Roache
My Newfound Love of Scavenger Hunts: 10 Reasons to Try Them by Jeanine Ferguson
How Old Is Too Old for Toys? by Theresa Duncan
Top 10 Family-Friendly Springs to Explore in Florida by Nicki Wiggins
Jacksonville Day Trip: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park by Alina Penjiyeva
Honest Thoughts On Having a Fifth Baby by Cassy Fiano-Chesser
12 Must-Read Tips Before Visiting LEGOLAND Florida by Alina Penjiyeva
Now we want to hear from you! What were some of your favorite Jacksonville Mom posts from 2023? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks again for a crazy, but awesome year, and we look forward to what 2024 has in store. Happy New Year!
