The ‘average’ mum on mumsnet

There are a lot of wealthy mums on here because it’s one of the only places to ask about private schools when switching schools and remain anonymous. Then they stay for AIBU and are accused of being not real when they dare post anything about their lives.

Add in lots of SEN mums from all different socio-economic classes that are just desperately trying to get any help or steer as to what to do.

If this proves anything it must be that there isn’t really an average user. I like mumsnet as it gives you an idea of how diverse opinions are on so many things. I sometimes find it a tad depressing how vitriolic people can be about other’s opinions being different. Threads about politics and how to parent in particular. It’s probably a minority of people to be fair but just doesn’t always feel like it.

Two camps.
First can feed family of four with one chicken for four days.

And another who can eat said chicken fried by herself as an appetiser before four course dinner.

From my perspective that's wildly different to mine

People who would never lend or discuss money to/with close friends or family

People who have set up decent pensions

People who own horses (this is a small number but more common than I knew)

People who don't drink at all

Can generally be relied upon to offer robust advice to any mildly disgruntled OP to, " Throw this one back Op", or worse : " Bin this one off.."

Loves to feel superior.

Weirdly there are also a lot of controlling wives though - and loads of support for it on here.

Of course it's changed.
When mn started computers and internet access were pretty expensive, smartphones hadn't really taken off and probably mn wouldn't have worked well on them early on. It was probably mostly pretty affluent 30s/40s mothers.

Now everyone has a phone and the connection costs are pretty irrelevant.

Some of that early cohort is still here but there are younger mothers and also others as the site grew.

All their husbands work really hard and really long hours so can’t possibly help them ever with the kids (ie. They work 9-5 desk job)

Rubbish. I see loads of posters (maybe even the majority) mentioning that they work ft or pt. Many mention they are high earners!

Yes to the first two, no to the second two.
I am always astounded at the amount of abusive and/or controlling relationships. It makes me worry for my daughters when they become adults - if I didn’t read MN I’d have no idea these men are so prolific as I’ve never met anyone in these circumstances irl.

I think the demographic has changed over the years. It might be my algorithm but a lot less posts about private school, tutoring and burnt out husbands these days. More diversity now, certainly.

Reading some of these contributions, perhaps the average person on this thread at least, is someone who spouts utter bollocks.

Are experiencing gender disappointment because they are having a boy.

There are two main types of women on here.

1. those supported by a high earning husband
2. those supported by the state

Extreme entitlement appears to be the defining trait for all concerned.

I don't think the average MN Mum exists. There are tribes on here though.

From the moment they pee on the stick and get a positive line, they will begin fantasizing about how they're going to regulate who can see the baby once it's born. Preferably this will maximize hurt feelings and punish anyone she doesn't like (usually her husband's entire family). Always best to make it clear to friends and family where they fall in the baby-viewing hierarchy. This is known in MN terms as "setting healthy boundaries" (also see: Neurosis)

Fast forward a year and she will be bitterly complaining on MN about disinterested grandparents and having "no support". Also can't understand why DH would rather gnaw his own hand off than spend one more minute trapped in the house wrapped up in their little " family bubble".

Off to Oxbridge despite going to the worst comp in the country, which she chose out of principle and 'because a bright child will do well anywhere'

Buys their children a satsuma and wooden clothes peg for Christmas because anything else is spoiling them....

...buys everyone else a Jo Malone scented candle for Christmas...

QED

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

This is one thing that astonishes me that people are astonished that their spouse/partner may masturbate ! What planet did you grow up on where you think men choose not to . 🙄

And don't forget that they will continue to bath with their children until the darlings head off to University. This is a multipurpose stealth boast:
Off to an RG University, having been robbed of an Oxbridge place by the useless, feckless teachers at their sprogs school, unless they are off to Oxbridge, in which case it bears testament to her wonderful parenting skills.

They have only had one night out with their husband in ten years because their family lives 300 miles away and they haven't made any friends yet despite having moved to the area five years ago, it doesn't bother them though as they plan to co sleep with the kids until the youngest turns 21

And don't forget that they will continue to bath with their children until the darlings head off to University. This is a multipurpose stealth boast:

*shows how cool and uninhibited they are

*obviously they love their children more than you love yours

*scoring bonus points in the motherhood/martyrdom competition