Extended Mumsnetting

[BEAUTlFUL]

It is the accepted norm for most Mothers to stop Mumsnetting at around the same time, 6-7pm. Many others like to carry on until slightly later, 10 or 11pm.

But, there is a group of Extended Mumsnetters who don't conform to society's normal guidelines for internet usage and go far beyond the recommended 12am shut-off, Mumsnetting up to the time of 3, 4, even 8am.

Whilst most mothers would balk at such extended internet use, claiming their computer was primarily designed for their husband, these Extended Mumsnetters say it carries benefits.

"After 1am, you get the drunks coming back from the pub," says one EM, who admits she has Mumsnetted well past dawn. "They type a bit dodgily, but often you can get them to admit embarrassing stuff without name-changing."

Then there are the Tandem Mumsnetters, who have two screens open simultaneously so they can refresh threads faster.

The World Health Organisation recommends every mother Mumsnets if at all possible, and supports the local Internet Cafes that help new Mumsnetters overcome problems logging on. But there are some groups of people who believe Extended Mumsnetters are weird. "I tried to Mumsnet when I had a baby, but it was so tricky at first," says one vehement opposer. "In the end I gave up and read the Daily Mail. My kids are thriving."

Huzzah, just got home to find we've been classicked! Good work, angels - you lot are funny as f*ck.

well done, BEAUTIFUL.

lolol

I had a lot of problems getting a good log on in the early days. Terrible cracked and weeping end of right index finger.

A friend reccomended the local MN support group. It was so intimidating when I first walked in, all these ladies happily mning away. One lady was doing it and drinking a cup of tea and eating a chocolate hob nob simultaneously.

The mn support worker had a good look at my laptop and log on technique. a few wrist adjustments and 'have you tried the AIBU rugby ball technique' and I was away.

I've never looked back.

Can't do it passed midnight though, now that is jut too weird

PMSL at this thread - hilarious.

"The hand that clicks the toolbar" - stop it, I should be working!!!

It's the levels of ignorance in rl that upsets me most. I have a friend whose HV told her that her screens were just too small to mn

Yes, my friend had an inverted laptop screen and had to use a shield, but she managed to MN for a year.

I was so proud.

TBH I'm a bit worried about my screen. It doesn't look quite the same as it used to and I'm worried that DH won't want it back once I'm done with MN

I wouldn't mind, but I find Night Reading a real PITA and have serious bags under my eyes. I find that occasionally chugging down a nice bigoted DM columnist just before bedtime sends us both off to sleep. Don't flame me

Mind you, those TV adverts about winning a time-share for a family of four for life are a disgrace though. They are taunting vulnerable women with promise of an easy life . Why aren't they banned? It makes me so

At you lot

OMG Getting your Mnet via Patientline whilst still in the hospital sounds brilliant. Is it given intravenously? Are MNHQ working on an ambulent version as the ironing piles up and Tena Lady can only be expected to perform up to a point.

Well I was brought up on DM and I'm fine. In fact I was weaned early; at 6 months I was down to the Mail on Sunday once a week, with only the Daily Star on weekdays! And no health problems whatsoever.

But you are (from your name) obviously from south wales and thus are 'sound' cwtch. Not everyone has your natural resilience

I thought you were talking about "older Mums" ie those still MN'ing when all the children were grownup.?

It's the ones who don't read the threads that are the real mischief makers IMHO, not the DMers. jingleyjen

this mning sounds amazing can anyone do it? I DMed for 2.. I have seen people MN.. and wished and hoped.. It's my first time... is it possible...

I did not read everysingle entry of the thread.OMG have I done it wrong... will it never work for me... But I just wanted to join this Beautiful thing..

God you MNers are so bloody smug, you think you're so much better than us DM readers...I tried MNing but there just wasn't enough paranoid right-wing vitriol there, my HV advised me to go onto the DM just once or twice a day to give my laptop a break...she told me to read the YOU supplement as it's closest to MN...

Well, I'm one of those older mums, jngleyjen - I didn't start MNing until my two were 15 & 18 and I found it really easy right from the start. My screen still functions perfectly, despite my age.

I've been told my teenagers will get teased at school if they tell their friends I MN, but I think it's important to set an example, so DD will find it natural to MN right from the start when she becomes a mum.

I left the thread for a few hours and come back to read all these threads which make DM sound like the holy grail and MN some antiquated form of self torture.

DM is not the best way to go, of course you ought to at least try MN, even if the support or assistance on the terminals when you are in maternity is lacking. You will be fine once you get home, in the comfort of your own home, with time and peace to MN - that is so long as the damage is already done my too much DM when in hospital.

Also so long as your DH is supporting you wholly, bringing you adequate cups of tea, and meals, to keep up your strength so you can physically MN into the night, should that be your need, or your your choice. As long as your DH is not rattling around at home, complaining that there is ever anytime for him to be with you or fiddle with the equipment any more since you started to MN, and that he feels so left out and pushed away. I mean, do think of your DH/DP, it must be so difficult to be suddenly left out in this way, it must hurt a mans ego a little, no longer being the only one with access to the equipment

Its ^so difficult to strike a balance that suite al the family, but if I can do it, anyone can!! GOod luck ladies, stand your ground, and we are all here MN with you for support!

Thanks susie, I have a supportive DH he knows where the kettle is and can cook a mean omlete... I am set to give it a go. But should I give up my supplements?

what like? Red or Elle or Gracia? Well, I can't tell you what else you should or shouldn't do whilst MN, however, common sense and instincts are there for a reason

Hope you girls can help, my friend is about to take delivery of her new laptop, and I asked her if she was planning on MNing. She said she wants to but lacks confidence. Her mum and MIL have great faith in the DM and said that the DM was good enough for them, so it should be good enough for my friend. Her MIL has even organised daily deliveries of the DM!
She is very worried that with DM being so available, especially because of all the adverts for the Mail on Sunday which is looking like a good read, she'll not get the chance to become familiar with MN on her new laptop. Her DH is trying to be supportive, but he doesn't know what all the fuss is about re: MNing, and doesn't really understand why MN has so many benefits above the DM.
How can I help her?

She should get in touch with a MNetting Consultant. I'm sure that there are MN Peer counsellors around but given the extent of pressure on her I would be inclined to bring in the big guns from the get go!

Perhaps a Postnatal MNDoula would be beneficial?