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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to wonder why people without children are on this website...?

163 replies

HuskyBlueEyes · 17/03/2014 13:30

It doesn't bother me, it really doesn't as a forums a forum.
But I've noticed people who have commented saying they don't have children to compare and give answers for, and people saying "do you have children?"

I'm just curious I guess as to what they can find to relate too if they do not have children.

(Not including people trying, I'm talking about those on this website despite not even wanting children)

OP posts:
caramelwaffle · 17/03/2014 13:33

There are quite a few childcare providers who contribute to the forums (for example)

DidoTheDodo · 17/03/2014 13:35

Because such things as Relationships, Style and beauty, Recipes, Philosophy etc etc are not confined to those who have children.

caramelwaffle · 17/03/2014 13:35

Also, those who choose particular areas to debate i.e. Feminism Chat or provide some expert knowledge i.e. Investments/Money/Legal

LatteLady · 17/03/2014 13:35

Vicarious pleasure... I am in my 50s, am not married, so really unlikely that I will have children. However I really enjoy the atmosphere, the threads and if I cannot help, keep my lips tightly pursed.

Sangelina · 17/03/2014 13:36

Some people desperately want them and get advice and support from the appropriate place?

Minnieisthedevilmouse · 17/03/2014 13:36

Sorry I don't understand. Do people without children have no life experience? No expertise? No, heaven forbid, opinions on matters of the world?!

Or do you think life only (boak) began when you had kids? Men are here too? Do you want to ban them? Can nans respond? Or just mums with small kids?

There are many discussions here and not all rely on kids....

custardcream1000 · 17/03/2014 13:37

I am not sure, but I guess they may stumble here when searching online about topics concerning money, food etc?

The only other reason I can think of is that they work in childcare or are studying childcare.

Raxacoricofallapatorius · 17/03/2014 13:37

Childminders, nannies, nursery workers etc.

Plus people who just like to chat. Those of us with DC occasionally like to talk about other stuff.

UnicornCrisps · 17/03/2014 13:38

There are a myriad of topics that have nothing to do with children. Pets, houses, books, blogs, beauty etc. There is more than just babytalk.

Sparklingbrook · 17/03/2014 13:38

Look at all the topics. Many of them not related to having children. Shock

Although I blame Penisbeaker for an influx of people who have no children and are also hairy of hand. Sad

StrawberryCheese · 17/03/2014 13:38

I don't have children but am looking to start ttc at the end of the year so I'm on here to find out what I'm letting myself in for I guess Grin

I don't offer my useless opinion on threads about bringing up DCs though.

SnookyPooky · 17/03/2014 13:39

Oh crikey, I don't have children. Am I not allowed?

Floggingmolly · 17/03/2014 13:39

Don't be absurd, op Hmm

MonstrousPippin · 17/03/2014 13:39

I don't have kids or plan to have kids, mostly because I've never really wanted them however I do have medical issues I can trot out as a reason when people push me for one. I can't remember how I came across Mumsnet but I've been reading the forums for a couple of years. Got hooked because it's funny and interesting. There's lots of advice and discussion about a wide variety of topics.

One thing I have noticed though, I've become so much more understanding of mums and dads since reading Mumsnet. I've gone from being one of those people tutting on the bus when a kid is playing up to being someone who gives the parent a sympathetic smile and and offer of help if he/she needs it.

It's made me really change my outlook towards families and children so I think it's a good thing that I found Mumsnet even though I never intend to join in and become a parent.

HTH.

HuskyBlueEyes · 17/03/2014 13:40

Sorry i'm new to this site navigating around slowly, didnt think of that. I didn't want to cause offence, I was just wondering

OP posts:
eurochick · 17/03/2014 13:41

I joined because I was ttc.

I stayed because of the wonderful ttc support I found on the Conception board and the chat on non-parenting topics (of which there are many).

DebbieOfMaddox · 17/03/2014 13:43

They come because I am wonderful and they want to bask in my reflected glory, the same as the parents on here do. Or so I've always assumed.

HopeClearwater · 17/03/2014 13:45

I don't think OP is being unreasonable to ask that!

Topaz25 · 17/03/2014 13:45

This website covers a variety of different issues and includes discussions that I am interested in. I mainly read Chat and AIBU, which aren't always parenting related. However I am also interested in parenting issues as I do want children one day, just not at the moment.

montysma1 · 17/03/2014 13:45

I do have children and I rarely if ever read the "child topics". There are a million different discussions going on on the site with some good strong debates (arguments/rammys). The LAST thing I use this forum to read about is children. Indeed I come on here to escape from children.

Bowlersarm · 17/03/2014 13:46

I have wondered that in that past, but as people have been saying, there is a diverse range of subjects and topics up for discussion, not just child orientated, and I think MN is known for having intelligent debate.

So I can understand why people without children want to join, but I'm not sure i understand how they come to discover it in the first place.

I don't think a forum called Mumsnet would have appealed to me in the past, pre DC. Maybe it's recommendations.

Petal02 · 17/03/2014 13:47

I'm a part time step parent, and joined to discuss step parenting issues; but other than that, I enjoy the banter/exchange of views that you get with these forums. I often post on The Litter Tray pages, you don't need children to fit in over there :)

Bowlersarm · 17/03/2014 13:47

Ignore the sarky responses OP.

Beeyump · 17/03/2014 13:47

Disclaimer - I have no kids, and am in my 20's. But the discussions can be riveting, people are so funny, in the past few weeks alone I have been introduced to Gizoogle, Hush ruched skirts and THE BEST CONCEALER EVER... Confused Should I just go though?

WorraLiberty · 17/03/2014 13:48

Bowlersarm, often when you Google something, Mumsnet threads pop up on the subject.