If you don't have or want children, why are you here?

[pepsicolagirl]

Disclaimer: I do not mean this in a rude way. I just couldn't think of a better way to phrase it.

I have seen a few messages across the mumsnet forums from women who are happily child free which is great and of course there is nothing wrong with at all.

But it always makes me wonder why you would be a member of a website called mumsnet if you are not and have no wish to be a mum?
So, if this is you, do you mind me asking why?

@motherloaded

because you don't need to have a child to be judgmental and feel your opinion and views are remotely interesting and important.

Exactly! 😁😁😁

@BillyIsMyBunny

I initially came here to ask questions about my cat in the litterbox forum and then became addicted to the AIBU threads, most of which are unrelated to parenting. You don’t have to be a parent to relate to disputes over parking or issues with neighbours, colleagues, extended family etc. I’m also a teacher and have found the staff room thread and SEN boards relevant and enjoy talking about TV shows on the telly addicts threads. I don’t frequent boards like pregnancy, parenting etc but a huge proportion of the other boards are not really related to being a parent.

@HoboSexualOnslow

If you Google ANYTHING a mumsnet post will come up about it. I came for the (non child related) advice, stayed for the LOLs

This.

I can see why you would wonder about it though OP.

I would maybe have wondered at one point too. I’m a bit literal like that.

Once the truth dawns, it’s obvious. So many different boards here, after all.

I am a parent and I only bother with AIBU and Relationships. Not interested in any parenting topics.

Its the only space on the Internet that's women oriented and posts are mainly by women.

Reddit, 4chan, most music forums, comments sections, twitter etc all male dominated.

@pepsicolagirl that’s ok. I think some people are just spoiling for a fight. It’s clear what you meant. It’s not rude to wonder.

because you don't need to have a child to be judgmental and feel your opinion and views are remotely interesting and important

This, with knobs on! 😂

I do have children but I came across it when I was googling something totally unrelated to parenthood. Found AIBU and stayed. I imagine many users did the same. I was way past needing any parenting help by the time I came here.

@Jennifer2r

Its the only space on the Internet that's women oriented and posts are mainly by women.

Reddit, 4chan, most music forums, comments sections, twitter etc all male dominated.

Isn’t that totally appalling actually?

Yes I am quite a literal person. I find things like this quite difficult to get my head around but once how someone else thinks or does things is explained the penny drops.

Found it when googling something home related, stayed for the discussion and connection with women - some like-minded, some not.

And the cat photos in the litter tray board

@motherloaded

because you don't need to have a child to be judgmental and feel your opinion and views are remotely interesting and important.

Haha, fair cop (as a person without a child)

I couldn't have children due to fertility issues. I decided to have a look at MN after seeing it mentioned on another board I used to post on and it has been a life changer for me seeing the not so rosy side of family life, there are also some very funny posters here!

The Relationships board drew me here after a google of EXH behaviour. Thanks to reading lots of threads on there I realised he was an abusive arse and I wasn’t actually going mad.

I have stayed for the amazing Feminism board, used the Weight Loss board and regularly unwind with a good read of AIBU, Chat, Classics, or photos on the Litter Tray boards depending what mood I’m in at the time.

I love the wit and sage advice on here. I can’t stand kids. HTH

I came here originally for mortgage advice and anxiety support. I stayed for the relationship dramas and bridezilla threads etc. But one thread I got particularly invested in as the woman who posted it was going through something very similar to me... we ended up messaging privately through most of last year and met up in person last October :-) so I've made a real friend on here too x

Agree,it's a valid question but it's a widely available website and so far women don't need OB/GYN certificate to join in yet .

I genuinely didn't mean it rudely but I can see how it reads

No worries I'm guess I'm a bit touchy about the subject.

Gahh it should have been "how did you get here" not "why are you here". (in case anyone was wondering I am the person who thinks of the witty retorts a day too late at all times)

@Getafuckinggripman

I came here originally for mortgage advice and anxiety support. I stayed for the relationship dramas and bridezilla threads etc. But one thread I got particularly invested in as the woman who posted it was going through something very similar to me... we ended up messaging privately through most of last year and met up in person last October :-) so I've made a real friend on here too x

Love this x

Reading this i am really surprised how many people talk about using individual boards. I've always just used active conversations.
Maybe I'm missing out!

Because parenting isn't the only thing talked about....tv, diet, work, books, politics, news, relationships.....i could go on....

I’m a nanny, years ago I was searching for activities in the area I was working and stumbled across AIBU lol so much entertainment to be had.

@pepsicolagirl

Yes I am quite a literal person. I find things like this quite difficult to get my head around but once how someone else thinks or does things is explained the penny drops.

Well no harm done.

I still find it quite interesting that a handful of “admitted“ men (and probably quite a few more anonymous ones) choose to hang out here in a female-dominated space.

I don’t object, but it’s interesting to me that they make that choice.

That’s a different thing though, of course.

@RickiTarr men love a good gossip

Yeah maybe that’s all it is.