Meet Our Guest: The Parenting Sanctuary

Let’s Meet Nikki and Discover More About The Parenting Sanctuary:

“Since Sept ’05, The Parenting Sanctuary has been a friendly and welcoming Aussie website for all parents to enjoy. With a well established community, plenty of friendship, advice and support, virtual groups, state & local meets, competitions with great prizes & more! Also many fun activities, games and features to enjoy 24/7. We would love for you to become part of our online family, so come visit today.

Its free to join! The Parenting Sanctuary – where we all have something in common.”

Visit The Parent Sanctuary…

Tell us the story behind the name of your forum? What does it represent?

A Sanctuary for parents. A place to easily connect parents and parents-to-be Australia-wide and assist them in establishing friendships, accessing a resource of information on various aspects, seek non-judgemental advice and support, and supply a variety games and entertainment – all for free.

What do you think makes your forum unique to others and what special features do you have?

Unlike many other forums which are built and then left on autopilot, I make a constant effort as Admin to make sure that our site is constantly improving, and offering members new and enjoyable things to do. I also participate on the forum as a regular member, and regularly gather feedback from our community on different aspects of TPS.

Is there a place for parents to discuss their environmental questions?

Yes, in our “Green Planet” section.

What is your background and what inspired you to start your forum?

As a newlywed just recently moving to a new area and expecting baby #1 in 2004, I found myself feeling isolated and with no local friends. I sought connections online with other parents. Being unsatisfied with the existing websites/forums available, and utilising my self-taught knowledge and experience with computers and the internet, I decided to start my own.

Where can parents talk about using modern cloth nappies? Is there a marketplace or ‘swap’ forum where MCN can be moved between mothers?

Yes, we have both a Cloth Nappy Club section and a general Buy/Sell/Trade section on our forum.

What are three of your most popular categories for conversations?

General Natter – (general, non-themed discussion)

“Days Of Our Lives” - (Vent and support-seeking area for life-related dramas & situations)

“Bun In The Oven” - (Pregnancy related chat and advice/support) and

What is your advice for mums when choosing a username?

Short and unique is the way to go

Does your forum have a place for competitions, contests and talking about such diversions and activities?

Yes, we run themed competitions on a monthly basis, with sponsor prizes up for grabs. We also run annual fundraisers.

How have you found the journey of establishing an online parenting forum?

It has been a rollercoaster ride full of ups and downs! A lot of  blood, sweat, tears, time and money have gone into running this website, but its been worth every second. Many of the strong friendships made within it between members have been invaluable, they may not have ever had those opportunities otherwise.

What would you love to see your forum explore in the future?

We’re currently developing a ‘bible’ of information and knowledge related to parenting issues, and general well-being, which will be available from our upcoming new portal page. This will be available to all visitors free of charge.

What opportunities do you have for small and WAHM businesses to include your forum as part of their promotional opportunities? (ie advertising)

We have an program where sponsoring businesses provide their products to us on a regular basis, in return for advertising opportunities (banner placement, being featured in our sponsor info section). These products are then used as prizes in competitions and giveaways within our forum.

Find The Parent Sanctuary on facebook: The Parenting Sanctuary or the Parent Sanctuary

Contact Nikki: admin@theparentingsanctuary.com.au

Meet Our Guests
- This is a regular feature of My Green Nappy in which family friendly sites are invited to contribute a post about their website. You’ll discover a bit about their ideas, specialties, what motivated their passion and what concerns them about the environment at the moment.
Find out more about our guests…

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