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."

[MARGOsBeenPlayingWithMyNooNoo]

Puppy - I'm no expert but I'm sure someone like MikMok will be along soon. She knows everything about anything to do with MNing.

Also, have you tried the site MNellyMom - that's also a very good place to find out about all aspects and overcoming difficulties with MN'ing.

[MrsCarrot]

I think extended mnetting is disgusting personally, there's no need for it and it's all about the mothers.

[MARGOsBeenPlayingWithMyNooNoo]

I think you're narrow-minded. If it's not hurting anyone, why are you getting so upset?

[MARGOsBeenPlayingWithMyNooNoo]

Has anyone tried doing a mixture of DM and MN? Is it possible to build up MN'ing again after DM'ing for a while? Is there any best practise ideas out there?

[susiecutiebananas]

mrscarrot I am surprised at your post and your attitude! >

[Janni]

I was MNing on demand for the first year but needed to get on with my own life so have gradually cut down to just a bedtime read.

[onebatmother]

Well. Really, if you all insist on relying on your husbands to support you financially while you MN, what do you expect? I'm astonished that so many of you think that it's okay to sit around at home MN-ing, when you could easily be running a plc at the same time.. It's okay for those with a very low IQ, but you need to get out to work immediately if you want to be able to MN with self-esteem. For god's sake, anyone would think that the i-phone had never been invented.

[ExtraFancy]

Well Cali, you have to remember that he is from a generation where DM is very much the norm, and he's probably never seen anyone MN before - he'll probably be a bit uncomfortable but that's his problem, not yours! Can you get your DH to maybe mention the benefits of MNing to him?

[VVVQVsSockPuppet]

Anyone who MN's beyond 2 years is just plain weird

[Boco]

My mil and fil pretend to be alright with it, but sometimes I catch fil watching and it makes me uncomfortable. I know they wish I'd dm instead.

[Janni]

I had similar worries about my FIL, particularly as MIL had never even tried to MN.

He really surprised me by saying that MNing was 'only natural' and 'the best start in life'

[BarbaraWoodlouse]

You might find that FIL will take the opportunity to excuse himself when you prepare to MN (fetching tea & cake, getting cushions etc)

Hey, get him to take the DC too so you can truly relax.

[VVVQVsSockPuppet]

My IL's advised switching to Netmums after 4 months because it never did their kids any harm.

[Swedes]

Does the DM still contain immunofortis? If yes, it's probably worth catching the headlines in case there's something in it that you can't get on Mumsnet. Someone told me that the PC screen doubles as a lightbox an protects against SAD. I didn't catch postnatal depression and in all honestly, I think it's down to Mnetting on demand and topping up with immunofortis from the DM.

[VVVQVsSockPuppet]

No no no Swedes. That only counts for those who have DM in third world countries.

Besides, the DM is actually full of Boswollox.

[Swedes]

OK then all you clever Mnetters. Is it true you can't get pregnant whilst Mumsnetting?

[S1ur]

I wouldn't rely on it tbh. There have been cases of cyberconception I suggest protection. I think it particularly depends on what threads you use actually. If you are reading through the night, and frequenting late night hubba hubba threads then I would definitely suggest caution.

[Janni]

I'd say extended MNing is a pretty reliable contraceptive, actually.

[Saturn74]

You're so right, Cali.
Sometimes I get so involved in MN that literally anything could be going on behind me, and I simply wouldn't realise.

[Swedes]

No wonder MNHQ were so keen to introduce a larger families topic. And I think I have just understood the significance of the knicker checkers anonymous - they are checking to see if their husbands are in there!

[MarsLady]

Displacement... those should be used with caution and certainly not for more than 48 hours. Why not see if you can do without them and maybe only wear them at night. I do think it's irresponsible for people to recommend those shields willy nilly. As has already been said... simply change the angle then your fingers won't blister and crack. You shouldn't have any pain if you've gotten the position and angle right.

[thewiltedrose]

Tandem Mumsnetting.... So there is a name for these 10 tabs slowing my compputer down!

But alas an overdose of MN last night at the early hours in the morning has left me unable to continue further tonight so it is with great shame i am going to retreat to my boidour.....

((Translation: I only had 2 hours sleep last night coz of MN and im bloody knackered so im off to bed now))

[theAfkaUrbanDryad]

Did you know that there was a motion in the English Parliament to pass a law similar to the one in Scotland, which protects the rights of the MNing mother? It was never passed though

I organised a MNing picnic last year to try and raise awareness, but sadly we were largely ignored by those in power.

It's so easy for people to say "Why don't you take a copy of the Daily Express out with you, then you wouldn't have to MN in public?" but not everyone can use the Daily Express - and things are rarely that simple anyway.