Why do people use MN for this?...

[handmadeclottedcreamfudge]

Ok almost certainly going to ruffle some feathers here but asking anyway..

Been using MN for well over a decade now but lately noticing more and more people taking to MN to announce they're "child free by choice". Why be on MN then? It's Mumsnet, I can't get why you'd be child free by choice and intentionally go to a parenting forum. If I were child free by choice I wouldn't be going on parenting forums because well, I wouldn't be a parent or have any interest in being a parent.

[lemoncurdcrumpets]

I’m TTC fairly late in life due to health problems that recently resolved and had previously resigned myself to being childfree. I’ve seen much better, more nuanced and helpful discussions on this than anywhere else.

[sammylady37]

Do people like the op lack imagination, are they stupid or just plain goady?

[Wishimaywishimight]

Because we work, have money issues, relationships, go on holiday, watch TV and movies, buy and sell property, read books, have views on feminist issues, drive cars, wear clothes and make-up, exercise, gain/lose weight, have (or are) annoying neighbours, get irritated by spelling/grammer mistakes, gossip about the royals, suffer bereavement etc.

Engaging in conversations in the above, and many many other, topics does not require one to have given birth.

[CoffeeBean5]

@SquashPenguin

I wasn’t on about the child free by choice- well aware of that- I was pointing out that’s there’s a lot else on here besides parenting, as the OP was implying that only parents should be using this forum. It’s just a bit harsh when infertility threads are quite common on here. Others have made the same observations. Should we leave because we can’t have children?

OP mentioned people who are child free by choice, not those who are ttc and going through investigations regarding their fertility. That’s not child free by choice. Many people who are going through this come to Mumsnet for info and support on fertility issues. That’s how I stumbled onto Mumsnet. Thankfully I did conceive after a lot of heartbreak. Most people on Mumsnet are parents (or want to be parents) and are interested in other things too.

[PlateBilledDuckyPerson]

I wish we could have a 'Mumsnetters Without Children' board as a place to connect and chat, whether childfree by choice or not. However, I suspect it might be seen as 'not in the spirit' to ask for one

[PSNonsense]

@sammylady37

Do people like the op lack imagination, are they stupid or just plain goady?

Was just about to ask the same thing! Wish I had £1 for everytime someone asked this question. Yawn fest (but I'd be rich).

[BlüeöysterCunt]

Because my mum's an alcoholic and I can't rely on her, and I don't really have any positive female role models so I really enjoy reading opinions and advice from a range of women with different life experiences.

[PSNonsense]

Using MN has ultimately made me so thankful I'm child free, and reinforce my decision to remain so! But also thankful I have babies/little people in my life. Best of both.

[HangingOver]

OMG how many bloody times are we going to have this thread.

[MeinKraft]

It's not really a parenting forum, apart from the actual parenting bit.

I imagine most people who come here, do so because they enjoy discussing things with other intelligent women who don't wrap their opinions up in hunspeak and kisses and apologies.

[SoupDragon]

Been using MN for well over a decade now

and yet you've never noticed this question being asked time and time again? 😂😂

I'm a mother but I rarely post about anything to do with parenting now and that is why people who ar e not parents post. It's not really that difficult to grasp!

[Florenz]

Women without children are discriminated/ostracised enough already without having a forum that is restricted to mothers only. I think we as a society need to make young women aware that they are more than mothers or mothers in waiting.

[Wishimaywishimight]

@PlateBilledDuckyPerson

I wish we could have a 'Mumsnetters Without Children' board as a place to connect and chat, whether childfree by choice or not. However, I suspect it might be seen as 'not in the spirit' to ask for one

I would love that - would save having to read these bleatings "oh but WHY are childfree people on a PARENTING FORUM", I just caaaaaan't understand it" blah blah nonsense every week or so.

[PlateBilledDuckyPerson]

@Wishimaywishimight

I would love that - would save having to read these bleatings "oh but WHY are childfree people on a PARENTING FORUM", I just caaaaaan't understand it" blah blah nonsense every week or so.

Yes, exactly. I fear a suggestion on site stuff might result in us being pelted with precisely those sorts of comments, though 😃

[SoupDragon]

@Wishimaywishimight

I would love that - would save having to read these bleatings "oh but WHY are childfree people on a PARENTING FORUM", I just caaaaaan't understand it" blah blah nonsense every week or so.

It won't stop that though. Unless you plan on just confining yourself to the "without children" board which would defeat the point of being her at all 😂

[Iquitforevermore]

'Using MN has ultimately made me so thankful I'm child free, and reinforce my decision to remain so!'

That's sad, there is always so many moaning parents, I think the struggles are always shared and the good bits not. It isn't a fair picture, just somewhere to vent/get advice. I know if I'd read alot of the threads on here it would have pit me off for life, I'm thankful I have my dcs.

[Iquitforevermore]

put*

[allthegoodusernameshavegone]

I stumbled on to MN about 8 years ago when I googled gall bladder pain and MN was the first thing that appeared, it was such a comfort in the middle of the night and a distraction, I got a bit hooked, I don’t have kids but I do have DSC. I am a bit shocked after a decade or so you have only just realised that many other non DC topics are incredibly active & interesting.