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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Why Are Some MumsNetters Not Parents?

119 replies

SavvymummyLondon · 29/01/2026 21:30

Hi All, long time follower, first time poster.

Prior to becoming a parent, things targeting parents & carers were completely off my radar. However, I have noticed a few times people who self-declare that they are not parents or carers post on the MumsNet AIBU page and I think to myself...but why? 🤔

I found out about MumsNet when I was expecting, and started engaging with the content once I became a mum. Before that, MumsNet wouldn't have even exisited in my universe!

I'm genuinely curious.

OP posts:
OrigamiOwls · 29/01/2026 22:05

Ah this topic hasn't been raised in at least a week, need to make sure it's raised again!

XenoBitch · 29/01/2026 22:04

Only a small amount of boards on here are actually about parenting.
Or do you have to be a parent and have a dog to post on the Doghouse board?

Notasbigasithink · 29/01/2026 22:03

SavvymummyLondon · 29/01/2026 21:30

Hi All, long time follower, first time poster.

Prior to becoming a parent, things targeting parents & carers were completely off my radar. However, I have noticed a few times people who self-declare that they are not parents or carers post on the MumsNet AIBU page and I think to myself...but why? 🤔

I found out about MumsNet when I was expecting, and started engaging with the content once I became a mum. Before that, MumsNet wouldn't have even exisited in my universe!

I'm genuinely curious.

Because people talk about other things on here other than being a parent....... 🙄🙄

TheBeaTgoeson1 · 29/01/2026 22:03

Mumsnet is just a forum now.

You don’t need to be a parent to chat TV, films, health, CFs etc.

Not rocket science.

BitOutOfPractice · 29/01/2026 22:02

This is a bot / mn generated attempt at click bait. The op wants nt be back.

EmpressaurusKitty · 29/01/2026 22:02

Feminism and cats.

Now answer my question. Why are you writing MumsNet not Mumsnet?

UncannyFanny · 29/01/2026 22:01

AlcoholicAntibiotic · 29/01/2026 21:32

Wait until you find out there’s even a special board for Mumsnetters without children. Has your brain exploded yet?

There’s men on here too! 😳

VanityUnit66 · 29/01/2026 22:00

Oh dear op. Are you really that lacking in imagination?

Toddlerteaplease · 29/01/2026 21:58

My dad introduced me to AIBU as we both found it hilarious. I love the litter tray section.

notacooldad · 29/01/2026 21:58

Blimey, it must be oh about three weeks since we've had this post, its long over due!

Im suprised we havent had the predictable 'But its MUMSnet not parents net or whatever!

Idontjetwashthefucker · 29/01/2026 21:56

No kids here, never wanted them, found Mumsnet years ago via Google when I was looking for advice about my dog...The Doghouse

WingsofRain · 29/01/2026 21:51

I came here because it’s one of the few places where you can have open and intelligent conversations about gender issues, but I found many other topics interesting so I read a variety of topics now.

Cornishwafer · 29/01/2026 21:50

Because communities, brands and businesses grow and evolve.

RafaistheKingofClay · 29/01/2026 21:50

ilovesooty · 29/01/2026 21:42

Perhaps the OP isn't aware that there are boards outside AIBU.

Grin

I changed that last sentence it was going to be ‘and everything is posted in AIBU’

YourAvidKhakiPanda · 29/01/2026 21:49

I am a teacher and follow lots of teacher/ parenty things on Facebook so the threads started coming up there

maddiemookins16mum · 29/01/2026 21:48

I found MN when looking for a 3 ingredient chocolate brownie recipe. I probably spend less than 10% of my time on any threads to do with children/parenting.

Nutmuncher · 29/01/2026 21:46

I don’t have kids or have any intention of ever having any (busy career and love my freedom too much) but I find MN is inclusive of all the waifs and strays of the world (within reason) and is a great melting pot of ideas -and bots. If it was just mums it would be boring AF, you need us spinsters to keep the sparkle and bring some life to the boards.

I’m a child of AOL chat so that connection is important.

ilovesooty · 29/01/2026 21:42

RafaistheKingofClay · 29/01/2026 21:41

Because MN has a huge array of boards most of which are nothing to do with parenting and where you can get good advice. Admittedly, MN now is not the same as MN of 10 years ago and those boards get a lot less traffic and publicity.

Perhaps the OP isn't aware that there are boards outside AIBU.

PotteryChuck · 29/01/2026 21:42

This reply has been deleted

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

Some have lost a child or children, suffered several miscarriages, had several failed rounds of IVF, but as long as that makes you 'giggle', hey.

Nice.

ArtTheClownIsNotAMime · 29/01/2026 21:42

Could you really not come up with any explanations yourself?

Hotafternoon · 29/01/2026 21:42

I googled a recipe and Mumsnet came up about two years ago. I like a lot of the topics especially the gardening and style and beauty threads.

I don't have kids but I've stayed as there's some interesting topics most days. Oh and it's often very funny and entertaining. 😄

Londonrach1 · 29/01/2026 21:42

I joined when I was an aunt as it really helped me to help my dsis. Yabu. MN has a lot to offer everyone

RafaistheKingofClay · 29/01/2026 21:41

Because MN has a huge array of boards most of which are nothing to do with parenting and where you can get good advice. Admittedly, MN now is not the same as MN of 10 years ago and those boards get a lot less traffic and publicity.

BillyBites · 29/01/2026 21:41

Really? Can you really not see why?
So is it only those of us who have given birth who want to discuss politics or travel? Or ask about weight-loss or health tips? Interior design ideas? Dog-training?
Surely you get the idea.

Jackiepumpkinhead · 29/01/2026 21:41

Most of the site isn’t about motherhood, and there’s even men on here, God forbid!

Swipe left for the next trending thread