Gransnet forums

Chat

Graduating to Gransnet

(42 Posts)
varian Mon 01-Oct-18 20:10:21

Grans are also Mums. These days I feel I am more of a gran than a mum because my little ones have long since flown the nest.

When I visit Mumsnet, there are things that I don't like - like swearing, but also things that I do like - like a much more enlightened and informed view of politics, especially an acute awareness of the potentially disastrous consequences of brexit, which many Gransnetters do not seem to understand.

Witzend Mon 01-Oct-18 09:15:47

I visit both. Started looking at MN only after dd realised she was expecting no. 2 with barely a 15 month gap. Found the 'small age gap' threads helpful and reassuring.
I actually found GN only after first visiting MN.

Nanny23 Sun 30-Sept-18 18:59:47

Yes agree with you there Fennel, you can often tell that they simply do not have the life experience of most gransnetters, Their generation is often all about the instant solution rather than trying to see a way to improve things slowly over time, and thus keeping families together rather than alienate. I understand as I've done it myself a number of times when I was younger, but social media now makes it more immediate, less considered before actions are taking, and with a high likelihood of others sticking their noses in who know nothing of the family concerned and their own dynamics. Whilst social media has it's uses, it can also be used for evil purposes and with evil intent.

Fennel Sun 30-Sept-18 18:00:43

"May only be my own impression, but mumsnetters are far more quickly to pounce on family issues and advise totally OTT drastic action, rather than reflection, consideration and building bridges"
You're right, Nanny23. But it's probably because they're a lot younger and living in different times with different pressures from us.
There are usually a few with 'an old head on young shoulders.'

Nanny23 Sun 30-Sept-18 17:05:02

May only be my own impression, but mumsnetters are far more quickly to pounce on family issues and advise totally OTT drastic action, rather than reflection, consideration and building bridges. There are definitely posters on there that go all out to split families apart and positively encourage posters to leave the family home, when there may still be hope for reconciliation and understanding. I think there is a definite cult online to divide and break up families, not just on MN.

kittylester Sun 30-Sept-18 15:59:40

Do you mind if I ask how old you are, only Rufus is in his 90s. grin

Rufussmum Sun 30-Sept-18 15:23:47

Grammaretto... Gran to one, step-gran to another. I think that's all!

Maggiemaybe Sun 30-Sept-18 14:38:47

I get the MN newsletter, so wander over there every day. I used to find it a bit overwhelming, but do join in occasionally. To be honest, it moves so fast and there are so many active members that you’re a lot less likely to be jumped on as you are here if you disagree with certain people. GN is like a small village, which can be a good or a bad thing, though you soon learn who to trust and who to avoid.

Luckygirl Sun 30-Sept-18 14:01:22

I pop in and out of Mumsnet. Occasionally post. There are some very interesting mums on there; but also many sorry tales of domestic abuse and marriage break-up.

Grammaretto Sun 30-Sept-18 13:57:16

I missed out on mumsnet, it began too late, but found GN this year by chance as I had googled a question and some sensible, wise person answered it from GN.
I am now a regular responder and have been to 2 local meetups.
I don't know if I would share a really serious problem.
Welcome to GN! Are you a gran?

DanniRae Sun 30-Sept-18 13:40:00

I just have an occasional peep at MN but have never posted. It has a totally different feel to my beloved GN...........not nearly so friendly!!

lemongrove Sun 30-Sept-18 12:31:30

I don’t even bother to view it now tbh.

Pittcity Sun 30-Sept-18 12:28:22

I am another "view only" on MN. I can't keep up with the pace.

Rufussmum Sun 30-Sept-18 09:47:28

You do need a hard hat if you post something even mildly contentious on MN's AIBU. Someone on there said an OP should take down their post 'before the AIBU vipers wake up.' Stimulating reading but from a view-only position from me.

Fennel Sun 30-Sept-18 09:26:37

I still read Mumsnet often, and sometimes post. There are many interesting topics, and usually people are polite.
The only thing I find difficult is that there are so many members on there you don't often get a give and take discussion - people just give their opinion and that's it.
I suppose if you were on it a lot you might get to know some of the regulars, as we do on here.

Flossieturner Sun 30-Sept-18 08:21:08

I agree with you and I also wish Mumsnet had been around when I was younger. I had no-one to ask for advice, share stories with or just vent. There is huge part of MNet which is supportive and helpful.

I think I graduated when I realised that I would not really be able to offer any useful advice to the MN generation. Most of my life experiences are not that relevant . I Am now a ‘look only’. I Learn a lot about practical things, gardening, tv, pets but stay away from anything else. I found that a lot of posts made me very sad. People in really terrible situations .There is nothing I can do but just want to give them a hug and make it better.

Rufussmum Sun 30-Sept-18 07:31:44

I wonder if others on here were, or still are, users of Mumsnet? I recently joined GN after mooching about on MN for a few years. I wonder if there is a 'graduation day' or age when people feel more at home on here.
Dare I say it, but there is a calmer, more rational tone to most of the Forum posts (even AIBU). And all that hard-won wisdom on tap grin.