So, has anyone ever changed their mind as a result of something they've read on MN?

[edam]

Just wondering. We have many fierce debates on here. But do people just reinforce their own opinions or does argument actually change minds?

I think I've learnt a lot about SN, for instance. And am sure I've been educated about other stuff beyond my own direct experience. Although helpfully I can't think of an example.

[Swizzler]

Bizarrely, hand wash rather than soap in bathrooms

[Swizzler]

and extended bfing

[Twiglett]

the biggest one for me was talking it / arguing it out to the point where I was capable of breastfeeding past 4 months (until 11 months actually [preen])

I don't make judgements as quickly about 'brats in public' since getting involved with SN

Unfortunately I've been tainted by the food drive to the point that I actually when doing a picnic with friends start to have mild panic attacks over whether the food I'm bringing along is suitable (to MN standards).. not that I do unhealthy food just that I wonder whehter I can bring a packet of crisps along with the tuna sandwich on whole grain and carrot sticks .. its ridiculous of me to bother .. my non-MN friends don't give a toss

[edam]

Agree re brats in public, that was one of the things I was thinking of re learning from SN.

LOL at hand wash!

[bonkerz]

not sure about changing my mind on things but definately has bought me to my senses a few times and made me look at my feelings in a different way. MN helps me be more rational!!!!

[colditz]

agree re the food thing

Ds1's playschool leader asked me if he eats brown bread at home, and I squawked "Of course!" and felt completely attacked.

It turns out he had suddenly started devouring the sandwiches when they started giving brown bread and white instead of giving them a choice of brown or white. He will always choose white because everyone else has it but he doesn't actually like it very much, and now everyone has to have some brown sandwiches as well, he eats three times more

[DimpledUpperArms]

it has made me more tolerant of other parents and my own children.

I bought DD baby annabell because of mumsnet - nothing profound really, but can imagine it would.

[DarrellRivers]

definitely have realised the whole spectrum of doing things, and no longer think in a blcak and white way.
Hopefully am now a lot less judgmental than I was

[mrsflowerpot]

Definitely the same here re SN. I've learned lots about breastfeeding too which meant I enjoyed it more second time round and did it for longer.
I also learned that formula feeders feel judged - I was honestly gobsmacked by this as I had felt that bottlefeeding was just so much the cultural norm, and that breastfeeding was looked down so often (eg in public, by my MIL etc). I realise how stupid that makes me sound now . I suppose we are all so tied up in our own insecurities, particularly as first timers, that we think everybody has it easier than we do.
I've also learned to cut pizza with scissors and how to make my feet less horned .

[Twiglett]

pizza with scissors

[mrsflowerpot]

it's the future.

although I clearly should have learned not to admit to eating pizza on MN - will add that to the list.

[crunchie]

I think like others I have become more tolerant. I also no longrer park in P&T spaces (now my kids are bigger, but it made me really think about it!)
Pizza ans scissors?? WTF I have a pizza wheel Used regularly

[twinsetandpearls]

yes I used to think I was quite a good mumyou have all convinced me otherwise!

[twinsetandpearls]

although I think I always had a feeling on me being a crap mum TBH.

Also extended breats feeding

[edam]

TSAP

How on earth do you cut pizza with scissors?! I use a pizza wheel. Use to use a bread knife but it didn't really do the job well.

Got into MN throught the first book, Mums on Babies, and think I learned things from that although can't recall what. But do remember the sheer relief of seeing mums debating and saying 'this worked for me but might not for you' instead of bloody know-it-all experts who insist their way is the only way. Naming no names.

[edam]

Oops sorry TSAP, only saw your first post before posting myself, thought you were joking.

[motherinferior]

I came to MN genuinely unsure about whether or not to have a home birth, and had one as a direct result of support from here - but then I was pre-disposed in favour.

I've learned a lot about SAHMs. I think I was rather intolerant before because my mother was so unhappy as a SAHM.

And I too have learned Crisp Anxiety.

[mamazon]

loads actually. all small and insognificant things but enough for even my parents to notice.

food has been a big one. i have changed lots of little things that together have made a big difference.

I know feel pity to a parents i see feeding their child a fruit shit.

i spent hours trying to convince my SIL to use reusable nappies instead of pampers.

i find the concept of elimination communication interesting rather than odd.

i thought Crocs were great when i first saw them last summer but wouldn't touch them with a bargepole now.

I ordered a mooncup.

I am going to try a smash pizza for tea

i use the term fanjo in everyday conversations.

and i now only give dd a covert greggs sausage roll if i have first scanned the area for boden clad lentil weavers

[motherinferior]

Oh yes, I've got a Mooncup too.

[Twiglett]

you have not MI

[motherinferior]

Oh yes I have. I'll show it to you if you like!

[NadineBaggott]

yes I use scissors for pizza now too!

Also the naughty children thing.

mrsflowerpot - not all ff feel judged

What stands out far and away for me (as I see it) is the pressure parents seem to be under, most of it self-inflicted.

[nogoes]

I haven't changed my mind as such but I have learnt more about breastfeeding and feel more determined to succeed at it next time round.

[NadineBaggott]

oh yeah and how judgmental we all are.

feeling 'pity' for another parent?

[mamazon]

Nadine - would you not pity the poor soul who has unwittingly put themselves in the centre of a full scale mn bitch attack...err i mean debate