Moms Who Blog : Priyadarshini Panda

As regular readers know Mom Blogger October is when we meet Indian Mom Bloggers from across the world in an effort to understand their challenges and triumphs as they work on being themselves while juggling motherhood, as well. Today we meet Priyadarshini a banker turned Montessori Mom, who runs the popular blog, Rattle Babble Battle.

Could you tell us about your life before Rattle Babble Battle? Life before Rattle Babble Battle happened was more about banking than parenting. I was in India and life was different with work and a busy social life.

What was it that prompted you to create the blog and how did you come up with the name?

When I took my sabbatical post baby I wanted to document my parenting journey. Blogging was the best way to do that. The name may sound like a tongue twister but its actually what I feel the parenting journey is all about. You rattle to their tunes, babble becomes your most spoken language and the constant battle to give them the best.

What were the challenges you faced in setting yourself up as a blogger?

Getting the right audience to my blog and no technical knowledge about running a website like SEO etc were my biggest challenges.

Who was your biggest support while following your passion?

My husband who has been giving me the ‘me time’ I need in spite of being super busy, he always makes sure that I get my time to work on my blog and my DIY projects.

What has been the highest point/happiest moment in your journey as a Blogger?

To be honest every time I receive messages where moms tell me that they get a lot of inspiration from my blog to make learning fun for their child. Those are my happy moments because that was the only motive I started my blog with.

Do you think you would have been a different kind of mother if you were back in India, living close to family and friends?

Yes, with all the support and people to take care I would have been a little different. I would have never learnt the art of multi tasking the way I have learnt being away from family. I think I am more patient now as compared to, the kind of mother I was with all the support.

Most expat mothers have to multitask beyond most everyday multitaskers. What is the one time that you remember doing the most tasks at once?

So it was back when Nirvaan was around 10 months and teething. He was super clingy and cranky. and we were expecting a few guests (from my husband’s office ). With my husband being busy at office and no house help I was left to do all the chores. Baby wearing came to the rescue.

Any tips for new expat mothers?

Don’t think you are alone, there are many moms out there who are sailing the same boat of loneliness in a foreign land. When I came here I thought it will be next to impossible to make friends with the kind of busy schedule my husband has. But then I joined a few Moms clubs and libraries. Play dates happened and I found my tribe.

What is one piece of advice that you wish you had received as an expat mother

Don’t depend on your husband’s social circle make your own.

And this question is from Sonam who nominated you - Priyadarshini is the epitome of the diy and Montessori mommy – where does she get all these ideas from? Has she attained Homeschool Nirvana?

This is the best compliment I have received so far in my blogging journey. Thank you so much Sonam. I follow my child’s lead. That is what helps me to come up with idea to make learning fun for him.And I believe when you DIY it holds more value to both you and your child.

You can follow Priyadarshini's Blog here. If you are an Indian Mom Who Blogs, follow the Times of Amma on Instagram and Facebook for more features with Indian Mom Bloggers and live interactive sessions for Aspiring Mom Bloggers. If you are new to the world of Indian Mom Blogging, don't forget to get your copy of 'The Beginner's Guide to the Indian Mom Blogger Universe' here. Click here for the 2016 and 2017 edition of the Mom Blogger October.