Tell MNHQ why you use Mumsnet

[EllieMumsnet]

Here at MNHQ we would really like to get to know our users better and would therefore love to know why you use Mumsnet and if Mumsnet has managed to help you in any way.

Is the main reason you use Mumsnet for the advice from other users? And if so, what advice do you look for in particular or is it on everything and anything? Do you use Mumsnet as a place to browse the funny threads and have a bit of ‘you’ time? Is it more the product/service reviews and recommendations that you use Mumsnet for? Has the support of fellow Mumsnet users helped you get through a tough time? Or maybe you have created long-term friendships with other users and come on to chat to them.

Whatever the reasons you use Mumsnet and any stories you have on how Mumsnet has helped you, we would love to hear them so please share them on the thread below.

Thanks
MNHQ

I came when I had my DCs back in 2005/6 ish. Really helped me in my baby and toddler fog 'it will pass' was a phrase which saved me!

I've learnt so much empathy and been educated in more ways that I probably realise especially SEN and feminism.

I love the anonymity and openness I hope that continues.

Thank you MN

Came for the cleaning types, stayed for the Feminist threads. ( And AIBU! ) No kids.

Came for the breastfeeding and other baby advice. Then found FWR, politics, and some other stuff that's useful for work. Stayed mostly for FWR.

I first came for support with a 4yo who refused to be toilet trained but I'm still here because it's horribly addictive. It does me far more harm than good (mentally/emotionally) these days

I came when I was stuck at home with a small baby, to speak to intelligent adults. I come for advice and sometimes a laugh.

I stay for the feminism. It’s the only place where women can talk, although sometimes it feels like that is being chipped away. It’s where I send people who want to know more about the gender critical position.

I use it for the feminism boards. The female centered discussion between intelligent, uncensored articulate women.

I really hope I can stay for that.

I came for a random review of something, then I read something, then something else.
These days I'm here because sometimes it's the closest I get to adult conversation and a form of friendship. I get frustrated, angry, elated, amused, educated, bemused. I like the reviews, the live threads hello mastercheffers!.
It stops me feeling alone.

I'm an American and came about a year ago after seeing the little article in The Economist about MN. I'm a mum with teenagers so I found a lot of useful discussions about that. I also like the window MN provides into UK culture and society and feel like I've made some friends here. I like being able to provide practical information about visiting NYC and other places in the US and help to parents who are thinking about sending their DC to university here. Finally, I enjoy connecting with the small but feisty group of fellow Yanks on here.

Started off in Living Abroad, now here for FWR, Brexit and Trump threads. Mainly lurking but always in awe of the intelligent women chatting and the sheer wealth of information available here.

I use MNET
To hear different views to mine.

To read about women's lives.

As entertainment.
To keep up to date.
And I've bought stuff after reading about it here.

Came for support when my first child was a baby but it’s FWR that keeps me lurking. I occasionally look at a couple of other sections but feminism is what draws me back. Although it’s been so heavily moderated in recent months - that has, frankly, seen me spending more time on Twitter.

I dip into primary education (being a child-free teacher, I find it very useful to get a parent's eye view); also style and beauty (perfumistas) and telly addicts for chatting about whatever Australian cooking show I'm binge watching.
But most of the time I'm on FWR; for me it's the essence of the site - a perfect mix of cogent debate and occasional swearing.

Feminism and the perfumistas .

Escapism from my life, advice -receive and give, feeling less alone

I’m one of those hidden autistic women. I’ve managed to blag my way through a career but idon’t really understand other women,and men are a complete mystery to me.
On mumsnet, I can see people pose questions and raise topics, and then see what upsets people and try to understand why.
I still find people a puzzle lots of the time but at least it helps me avoid some of the pitfalls. It’s fascinating.

I live abroad and have a very limited network and am currently unemployed. When I read threads on here it's a virtual pub or school gate. It makes me feel less lonely.

Have recently discovered the feminism boards. Wow. There are some brave eloquent intelligent women here.

The SN has been great since we got ds diagnosed.

I have learned the difference between self confidence and self esteem and MN has taught me its ok and in fact healthy to have boundaries. It is empowering.

I have learned a huge amount about abuse in relationships. Im a SW and I dont remember covering it at all in class. When I started working and one of my clients had been abused I set about finding the local equivalent of the freedom program. Eventually I found an equivalent to womens aid that was just starting a pilot project. I would never had known to do that were it not for mn.

I have had great book recommendations which have changed my life for the better.

I have realised what a wide range of viewpoints and experiences there are out there. Also quite a range of english comprehension.

Then there all the classic threads that make me laugh out loud like garlic arse and your minge.

Joined when I was pregnant with my eldest (now nearly 14). Have been here ever since, mainly lurking, occasionally posting. Was helped through breast feeding fails, bullying at school, what to wear to the races (someone sent me a gorgeous Boden dress in the post as a loan, I will never forget that) relationship worries and my many miscarriages. It has been a constant source of support, and though the landscape has changed massively over the last 13 years, I stay a daily dropper in.

I use it to ask random questions mainly regarding my toddler and feel I get a snapshot of how diverse life is out there in the real world.

I started reading after googling various 'issues' and finding MN threads

And I do find it keeps my self esteem from brimming over

I'm in the app and I've deleted it so many times, but I come back for more.

I came because of a story about Mumsnet in the news about 11 years ago.

I stayed because it seemed to be such a precious space given that it is inhabited by so many intelligent, interesting women. I have learn so much here and value the sense of humour and no-nonsense advice hugely.

MN has had a tangible impact on my life. Years of lurking on the Relationships board has taught me all about abusive relationships and whilst it didn't prevent me from dating an abuser, the advice I read enabled me to decide to leave my partner despite a lot of manipulation and harrassment. I can honestly say that without Mumsnet I'd have made excuses for him for a very long time and lost an awful lot more of my life to him. Women getting together and talking makes a difference. Women being free to speak makes a difference.

I now spend most of my time on FWR where I, in turn, feel like I'm making a (tiny) difference by contributing to the debate on trans issues. It's the most important issue facing women in decades and it matters so much that we can discuss it here. If I hadn't read about things here, I would be oblivious. I feel part of a community. I won't ever have children but Mumsnet still matters profoundly to me.

I initially came to MN for support for a late miscarriage. I only really lurked but MN helped me through a very difficult and sad time. I came back to MN later once I'd had our second child for breastfeeding advice. I can credit MN for helping with bf when no one else irl seemed to give a shit or was actually actively trying to get me to quit against my strongest wishes. It was through MN that I heard about the Nestle boycott, and read up further. I stayed for Style & Beauty for a bit of light relief and fun in those sleepless stressy baby and toddler days. And turned to MN for reviews of everything from pushchairs, high chairs, cars , furniture , decor and everything in between. and now can't wait for the MN recommends in style & beauty. I'm such a sheep, I normally buy most things recommended , but have rarely been disappointed. Much of our household spending is through MN recommendations. Now I'm very interested in lurking on the Feminism board, too scared to post anything, but very much having the scales fall from my eyes. And I still lurk on Style & Beauty from time to time. Ive met some amazing women irl from chatting on MN too, and could not imagine my life or motherhood without MN.

Oh , and I've had some excellent advice on the SN board which has been invaluable. I sometimes go there still from time to time.

Feminist topic.

I love that this is a place on the web with mostly women's voices.
The feminism boards are the most important thing for me on here, but I look at a lots of different subsection in talk.
But the FWR matters the most, and is utterly heartbreaking and inspiring.

Came when I was struggling with a newborn, now stay for the feminism. The trans stuff is an absolute joy to read, thank you for not shutting us down.

I joined up to get me through some very difficult times. Now I mostly stay for the feminist section.