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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

MN's without children?

115 replies

giggly · 19/04/2014 18:34

I have often wondered why there are OP's who post who don't have children. Taking those TTC, MC or bereaved into account I keep coming across posters without kids.

I'm not complaining just genuinely confused as in the title "by parents for parents" why would anyone come across/ venture into MN if they have no kids, not TTC !MC or bereaved.??

OP posts:
aurynne · 19/04/2014 22:17

I don't have children, never wanted children and will never have them, so I think I fit very well in your initial post, OP.

I am here because I like it. I mostly participate in "relationships", "chat" and "AIBU" threads, and from time to time I peek into parenting threads and feel really smug because that is not my life. So there :P

londonrach · 19/04/2014 22:21

I have no children but I'm an active aunty so advice has been very helpful helping me help my sister. I also like the female discussions. I may not have children but I can advice sometimes!

londonrach · 19/04/2014 22:22

Time is running out for me re children and it will be my biggest regret but such is life

Delphiniumsblue · 19/04/2014 22:32

I can't see why people even question it- why would it matter?

ChestyNut · 20/04/2014 08:41

Excellent post LRD Thanks

happygirl87 · 20/04/2014 08:52

I have a DSD, but we only have her every other weekend, sometimes less. I ended up on here via google, as has an issue with her, and just stayed.....Today I have been searching threads on period pain- because I need a solution and I know I will get a wide range of experiences and by and large sensible advice. Even though it's not related to kids.

Pumpkinpositive · 20/04/2014 09:01

I keep parrots. They are every bit as noisy, demanding, time consuming and arguably even less grateful than children. Easter Grin

MoonRover · 20/04/2014 09:52

lol pumpkin

CuntyBunny · 20/04/2014 10:01

I come on here to escape from my children. I don't want to be talking about them on here when I could be having a laugh. Throughout the Easter holidays, I've had a lovely time with my DCs. But it's been all day, everyday. Posting about my DCs on MN is not the reason I am on here.

Objection · 20/04/2014 10:33

I'm a Nanny.
And i would hazard to say that the majority of threads on this forum aren't limited to those who have children.

Bowlersarm · 20/04/2014 10:39

I think it's a fair enough question by the OP.

I can why non parents get hooked after finding the MN forum from something they are googling, and then staying becsuse they are drawn in by the huge range of topics under discussion.

Bowlersarm · 20/04/2014 10:40

I can understand why....

AnotherFurry · 20/04/2014 10:43

Issues involving mn's with children also involve those without.

Personally I enjoy getting views and opinions from people with different perspectives rather than seeking out those that are too similar to my own.

Btw I am childless by choice and found this site as someone on another site mentioned it.

Lottapianos · 20/04/2014 10:48

V

Lottapianos · 20/04/2014 10:52

Very good post LRD. Not having children can be a very complex decision - for most people, its just not as simple as 'never wanted them'. I'm child free by choice but there have been moments when I've been achingly broody and insanely jealous of my best friend who has a little girl. Its very personal and at times very painful.

I've been pleasantly surprised by how welcoming the vast majority of parents on here are to MNer s who dont have children. There's always a few exceptions but they are few IME.

FunkyBoldRibena · 20/04/2014 10:53

I have often wondered why there are OP's who post who don't have children.

It's the internet love; anyone can post.

HTH.

LRDtheFeministDragon · 20/04/2014 11:04

Thanks lotta and chesty. Thanks

I have also found MN to be really welcoming to people without children.

Sunnydaysablazeinhope · 20/04/2014 11:12

I actually find this extremely narrow minded. And tbh rather ignorant. Do you question why any board is not solely about children? Why is there an employment, legal,pets,bereavement, product, linguistics, feminism, and all the other boards? They shouldn't be necessary should they because they aren't about kids specifically.

Go back to your insular, small, insignificant bubble op. I like this place with its hodge podge of posters and topics. It's just like life. Open to all.

yourlittlesecret · 20/04/2014 11:13

I have children but have often recommended MN to friends who don't have children. It's perfectly possible to avoid the topic of children on here and if there is another forum which offers a similar variety and quantity of intelligent conversation can someone please tell me?

AbbeyBartlet · 20/04/2014 11:30

I have never had children, nor have I ever wanted to. However I use the site because it is much more than just parenting, there are still lots of interesting sections.

AbbeyBartlet · 20/04/2014 11:34

And like others I discovered MN through Googling something - then got hooked in.

AnotherFurry · 20/04/2014 11:35

Sunnydaysablazeinhope I 100% agree. It is very odd why someone would question this when it is obvious if they looked at all the different sections and threads that this site is so much more than just about children.

It does suggest a narrow view.

FreudiansSlipper · 20/04/2014 11:36

thankfully this site does not just talk about parenting and children, if it did many would have gone long ago it is known for its lively discussions

What does it matter the more varied the better

EvenBetter · 20/04/2014 12:20

Another non parent here. I came here by seeing someone in Facebook slagging it off, thought it sounded good and have been addicted ever since. While I have nothing to contribute to actual parenting threads, I still read a lot of them and TBH what I've read has put me off having children (clitoral lacerations, so much poo, screaming, tantrums, no sleep, drudgery etc. and not much to make it all sound worth it!)
The Doghouse, AIBU, feminism, relationships, chat etc.
mumsnet has made me realise I am a feminist, it's made me more tolerant of tantrumming toddlers and their poor parents, invisible disabilities, and other peoples views, and who knew there was so much drama to be had in buying stuff from a supermarket?!

MoonRover · 20/04/2014 12:39

I've re-read the OP's posts and I don't think she's saying 'How fucking dare non-mums post here, they should all be chased out of town with burning mooncups on sticks.' I think she's asking how it is non parents find mumsnet and why they like it here. Clearly her posts have put some people's backs up but I don't think she was judging or being nasty, just curious.