I went to Laura’s babyshower today and someone mentioned something in passing about using something with her child, and then said “imagine the BN moms knew” and we all laughed. It struck me then how sensitive moms, that have been on online parenting forums for a long time, have become.
And yes, I’m one of them! 
Online parenting and pregnancy forums were my first real foray into using the social web, and that’s what started my blogging. I’ve been chatting on moms forums since I fell pregnant… or was trying to fall pregnant… pre-Bradley. So we’re talking about 8/9 years.
And over the years, you learn what the triggers are. There are certain topics that us “wiser” moms know are trigger points and will, without a doubt cause an e-war or at least a 10 page forum post. Now they’re not amazing topics, but what’s interesting is how opinionated people are about them. IRL (in real life) conversations around those topics are generally not as heated, but get behind a keyboard… after a glass of wine… when the kids are sleeping… and everyone’s real thoughts come out… and everyone is completely passionate about their point of view.
Now, when I hear someone talking about them, I just keep quiet, and wonder how long it’ll take for the explosion to come… it doesn’t take long… and it always erupts. And I smile
The list of trigger topics that I can recall off the top of my head include…
- natural vs caesar birth
- breastfeeding vs bottle feeding
- when to start solid food
- Montessori schooling
- walking rings
- buckling kids up in car seats
- Oros
- viennas and polony
… and I just smile… smile and wave
Comments
Natalie G.
Add to that list “homebirth vs hospital birth” – and watch the fall out. In fact, it happens IRL too, not just online.
Jenty
Ooh… that’s a biggie!!
Gina
Dont forget vaccinations!
Tanya
And circumcision!
Marcia (123 blog)
LOL too funny – and I don’t do forums much because I don’t like the high school behaviour so when I once wrote about car seats on my blog, boy oh boy, I had 20 comments!!! That’s big for me
I think I will choose some of your controversial subjects just to stir things up
Fiona
When I read your post I just had to grin. I know what you are saying and it’s so true! Sad but true
Ness at Drovers Run
That is SO true!
cat@juggling act
That is exactly why I prefer the blogs over forums. Really, I just do not have the energy.
Angel
And something like ADHD and how its treated! I battle with forums… expressing an opinion without offending someone is all but impossible.
Louisa
Yeah, I’ve been dragged into a few of these IRL too – who knew people could feel that strongly about viennas?
I have one particular friend whom I so much do not see eye to eye on any of these and then some, that most parenting convos we have end on a “you raise your kid your way, and I’ll raise mine my way” and a curt nod. And she’s preggers again now, so add crazy-mommy-hormones to the mix and stand back.
Lauren
Oh my, so true! I’m not a mom but I overhear these convos often IRL (hehe) and they do my head in. Wish woman would me more respectful of each others’ choices. But anyway, hope you are well! x