Why do childless people join Mumsnet?

[Sammysees]

Each to their own and I’m not saying they shouldn’t join. There are a plethora of boards that help people with or without kids. The site is called “Mums”net though. I’m curious as to why someone without kids would even think to join the site in the first place. If you are childless and reading this ... Can I ask what made you join Mumsnet?

Because they may be soon-to-be TTC, TTC, going through loss or generally find Mumsnet useful?? There are so many topics that are discussed it's not just about parenting.... Why can't anyone be on here?

I also agree that it would certainly not be as entertaining here if it were all about parenting so I'd much rather it stay as it is. A place for anyone.

i am mum to two grown up and 13 grandchildren and step grandchildren i find a lot of the boards on here help with keeping up to date with parenting these days so i can help my daughters and step daughter with parenting plus some boards are nothing to do with kids but are hilarious as i suffer from depression there is help for that too on here

For the swearing.

Found the Mumsnet Property/DIY board through google when I was buying my house a few years ago.

Stayed for the bin and parking wars threads

Oh why do some people find this so bloody hard to understand!?

As you've said yourself a huge part of this site has nothing to do with raising kids & being a parent. Maybe it began that way but it has obviously evolved into something more - and therefore a wider range of people, beyond parents can find it useful/fun/interesting.

There you go.

I came for advice about a legal situation involving a child in my family. I stayed because I found other stuff worth reading and replying too. No kids, but TTC for a really long time.

There are a plethora of boards that help 1people with or without kids

And there you have your answer 🙄

Found the property board a few years ago. Stayed for food, cats, and to laugh at AIBU.

Didn’t realise homes, food, cats and unreasonable people were exclusive to women with children.

I have never seen Mumsnet as a site for mums but instead a site where people, including mums and dads, help and support each other. You ask a question, you get candid "unadulterated" feedback. If everyone wasn't welcome here lots of people will have no way of knowing how best to deal with certain situations or people. There is just so much to learn from posts, even for non members.

Maybe the real question is 'Why is a discussion site that caters to all different sorts of people called MumsNet?'
It's evolved. I don't care if you've got kids as long as you know how to draw a good diagram of where your CF neighbour insists on parking...

We're still human, you know. We know kids, have relationships, buy property, havevjob issues, etc...

I can't think of any other boards like this.

I can only think people who ask this are the type that don't want to associate with childless people. That's sad.

I actually didn’t even think to search to see if the question had been asked before. I was just curious. That’s hardly being judgmental Clarich007.

I also like the swearing.

Yeah, but it is...

Google a question, any question. And many have hits on mumsnet. Dealing with parents with dementia, style and beauty, pets, cleaning tips, feminism.

Your question has nothing to do with "parenting" OP . Why did you ask a non-parenting question it if you think mumsnet is only for parenting ?
FfS it's such a stupid question to ask.

Can you see how it might sound like your saying 'Why are you here, this is for MUMS, you're not a mum.'

Since you answered your own question in your op, people are going to think that actually you know why you might find non-parents here.

'We're still human, you know.'

Some parents need reminding of that I think. They must wonder why we're on here instead of sleeping til noon / driving our fast cars / going on luxury holidays / insert other tedious stereotypes here

I had a mum.
I know some mums.
I stay for the (‘effin’) swearing.

I'm really glad some people on here don't just post about parenting, children families etc.

For example since i've been here there have been at least 2 threads that have been about a poster feeling unwell, wondering if they should call 111 / 999. Those posters have then come back days / weeks later to say thank you because without others encouraging them to seek help they would be dead.

Sure the site is mumsnet but there are plenty of other topics and threads which are more important than parenting. So I say welcome anyone whether you have kids or not, different people make for different perspectives on topics, and for a much more rounded and interesting forum.

the ones I like are the ones without children, fair enough, but with very strong opinion on how you should raise them

That’s hardly being judgmental

It’s really judgemental actually. Also it can be quite hurtful because it seems a bit like you think it’s strange, or we’re not welcome because we haven’t procreated (and as I say, in many cases that wasn’t a choice). These questions never get a very positive response because it feels like we’re being unreasonable and wanting to join a special exclusive mums club without being qualified to.

This again!

Child free here by choice.
I joined MN 10 years ago. Tempted to say 'twas all fields.
I will say that the site has changed a lot since then. It used to be a place for intelligent, witty discussion and as far as I recall there were no checks at the door to see if I had kids or not.
There was no other forum that I enjoyed as much.
I used to read Relationships, Chat, Property and the book boards.
I struggle to understand why people who do have children can't see that those boards are of interest to those of us who are 'childless'

Mumsnet themselves say that you don't have to be a parent to join.

Lots of the items discussed don't mention children.

It's accessible and anyone can join, so why not?
Maybe the childless ones on here have looked elsewhere but not found anything which suits.