I wish Mumsnet had been around when I agonised over bringing up my kids. The best part is knowing you are never alone with problems, that a national – and international – community of mums are online for a chat.

Their pearly words of wisdom are now available in a new book, The Mumsnet Rules, by Natasha Joffe and Justine Roberts, and published today by Bloomsbury. It’s a non-nonsense book which mums have been crying out for.

From tantrums to teenagers, parasites to parties, competitive parenting to choosing the right school (what mum hasn’t been in a quandary over these issues?), then The Mumsnet Rules comes up with answers and sage advice from other mums who have lived through it too and share their wisdom and experiences.

As we know, it’s not just parents who are switched on to Mumsnet, it’s influence has long been recognised by political leaders desperate to secure their vote. I heard an Asda spokesman on the radio this morning explaining how they had been in discussions with them about suitable clothes designs for young girls which were not sexualised, their views are much sought after my many sectors in our society.

Mums might not always have much of a voice at home, but collectively, their voice is one which cannot be ignored.