The aim of the board is to help you get in touch with local mums. Whether you keep your friendship strictly online or meet in person is your choice. What we do ask is that if you arrange to meet up, you keep details off the boards.

Here are some simple steps to help you to stay safe online:

~ Don't use your surname in your member name, or use any other details that could personally identify you or your children. If you wish to create a new member name you can do so here.

~ Keep personal details personal. Thousands of people read the message boards but never post. If you post lots of details about your life, work or town then people may be able to piece together a picture of who and where you are.

~ Use the Member to Member email service in your board settings if you wish to take your friendships further. Do not post your home address, email address, IM details or your telephone numbers on the boards as they might be seen by people who you'd rather not see them (including people who send spam). iVillage reserves the right to remove posts containing the above information if it feels it is necessary.

~ If you decide to meet up with friends from the internet, take sensible precautions. Meet in a public place, take a friend with you and make sure someone knows where you are going and when you will be back.

Enjoy your time here!
CE