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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

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:

LRDtheFeministDragon · 17/03/2014 14:09

ray, some people's pregnancies don't stay that way, right?

I know no-one is trying to raise anything upsetting, but try to think how this thread might read to some posters.

SelectAUserName · 17/03/2014 14:11

I was introduced to the site by a friend (who does have children) and hung around because it's fast-moving, wide-ranging and fun.

I have stepchildren, but tend not to attempt to give advice on threads about specific children / parenting queries or issues as their age meant I did little hands-on parenting and I'm out of the loop on current schooling and parenting practices.

Despite that, there are plenty of non-parent-specific threads for me to get stuck into.

Beeyump · 17/03/2014 14:13

Ha, happy coincidence Petal!

HillyHolbrook · 17/03/2014 14:15

I'm on here because I find it entertaining and a really good place to chat etc.

I have no DC yet but I plan to very soon and it's quite useful for product reviews, TTC support and opinions on EVERYTHING. Then there's Relationships, Good Housekeeping, Style and Beauty... I don't feel at all out of place by not yet having children, and I have young children in my family so can contribute with anecdotes and personal experiences despite them not being mine.

I found Mumsnet after the penis beaker thing was mocked by The Huffington Post. I came on to investigate all the crazies on here and I just never left

NotNewButNameChanged · 17/03/2014 14:17

Christ. I'm a man, so I can't be a mum. I don't have kids, so I can't be a parent. I will grab my coat as I leave now.

Oh, hang on, I work with kids sometimes and have a goddaughter. Can I stay please?

Alwaysbloodyhungry · 17/03/2014 14:18

I think it's a valid question too given the name of the site!

NotNewButNameChanged · 17/03/2014 14:20

Always but if the name of the site was the everything, then dads would be banned (because the bit under the logo about parents isn't, you know, the actual name of the site)

ScrambledeggLDCcakeBOAK · 17/03/2014 14:22

it is one of the biggest online forums that bring women (and men) together that is not about one specific issue Like a lot of forums are.

I very rarely look at any other part of the website but do like the general place to chat.

Penis beaker brought me here after seeing it on rudetube (the story not the beaker!)

CorusKate · 17/03/2014 14:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FyreFly · 17/03/2014 14:25

They may have stepchildren, they may be TTC, they may be in childcare or fostering, they may be thinking of having children but haven't made their minds up yet.

They may also have had children, but sadly lost them. For those who fall into that category, this thread may be a little upsetting.

Armadale · 17/03/2014 14:28

I joined when I got pregnant, and stayed for the miscarriage threads and then the recurrent miscarriage threads....

However, I tend to spend most of my time in Style and Beauty, Chat, the Doghouse and various Book threads...none of these have anything to do with children....

Incidentally, I lurk on Relationships and think that the posters advising on that board have massively educated me, and I think the MNet Relationship boards should be mandatory reading for 16-18 year old girls, would be the most useful bit of education they would ever get.

skybluepinkwithpolkadots · 17/03/2014 14:37

I joined as i work with children aged 8-13 and found some interesting advice on the behaviour boards. Ended up exploring and staying

Pregnantberry · 17/03/2014 14:41

I first discovered MN when I was preparing to meet my stepson (4 at the time) as a bit of early research about what 4 year olds were like and what I should or shouldn't do, since I had not really been around young kids before or been a part of a step child/parent relationship.

I would come back from time to time because I found MN quite addictive even then.

I have been here quite obsessively since I got pregnant. I could never stomach nethuns .

Nokidsnoproblem · 17/03/2014 14:45

I am an elementary school teacher and I originally came here for advice on some of my students.

SilverOldie · 17/03/2014 14:48

I can't remember how I found MN now - I'm not only childless but old and a Tory voter (the latter being as rare as hen's teeth on here). Someone has to stand up to the oldie bashers and you never know I may convert a leftie to be a rightie

LessMissAbs · 17/03/2014 14:51

Because they may be planning them one day?

Latara · 17/03/2014 14:51

I joined after hearing about Mumsnet in the media and lurking out of curiosity.

I got hooked in by AIBU!

I also want to ttc if I can find a decent partner.

LadyBeagleEyes · 17/03/2014 14:54

I have a ds but he was too old for parenting advice when I came on MN. I've actually never been on the parenting subjects, I stick to all the other topics, MN is massive.

ephemeralfairy · 17/03/2014 14:56

I stumbled on here after Googling 'emetophobia support'...true story! That was nearly a year ago and I've found advice, support and laughs. I don't have kids, but I do have family, a relationship, friends and a career and a penis beaker, all of which I like to discuss sometimes! That's all really.

Aeroflotgirl · 17/03/2014 14:58

Mabey they are in touch with children through work or family. I notice that those without children sometimes look after or are involved with child family members or friends who have children.

NannyK7H · 17/03/2014 14:59

Yep Debbie that's exactly why I joined!
I don't have children, but I am a nanny and therefore can relate to parents in a lot of ways! I don't have many friends my age who know what looking after children is like, so I come on here to reassure myself I'm not completely bonkers come 7pm!

TheBody · 17/03/2014 14:59

I came on as a cm and loved the threads. great advice. AIBU makes me both cry and laugh so that's interesting.

as my youngest is now 14 I am veering towards the mil threads and getting tips in how to be an ace mil.

everyone is welcome arnt they.

MooncupGoddess · 17/03/2014 15:01

I found MN when googling a journalism scandal of the time. I had vaguely heard about the site but assumed it was all fluffy chat about the best buggies. So I was to discover that there were heaps of hilarious and worldly wise women on here.

I've stayed ever since and actually in addition to the excellent Feminism sections and general banter it has been really useful in helping me support my many friends who have children and understand my godchildren's development.

Aeroflotgirl · 17/03/2014 15:01

Yes this website is great, feels like family , most of us are not just mums but intelligent individuals with different interests and views. Mabey those without children love the site like we do

Petal02 · 17/03/2014 15:08

I agree that most people here are intelligent, articulate individuals.

I'm presently tucked away in an office all by myself (I usually have a few colleagues!), no one to talk to, and a big job that I was supposed to start last week has been delayed til next week. So MN is keeping me company at present. Thank you everyone!

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