To think it's unacceptable to say you don't like children?

Thank you! I’m glad I’m not alone in noticing this trend lately of dehumanising children. If we said we didn’t like any other group of people we’d be cast out but it’s become acceptable to hate the most innocent and vulnerable in society.

It’s not weird to not be keen on children - in general they are loud, annoying, uninteresting and completely change the dynamic of social settings.

This is why many people opt for child free weddings/holidays. Plenty of parents even admit to not liking other people’s children.

It doesn’t mean people are treating children badly, it’s just an opinion that everyone is entitled to.

Its not the same as saying you don't like middle aged or older people, as those are just sub sets of adult, and don't necessarily have anything in common with each other to render them a group. Children are not a sub set of adult, they are not yet adults, and as such do have certain characteristics in common. Typically these will include a different type and level of communication that people may find uninteresting. Different behavioural norms and expectations that people may find annoying. Varying levels of dependence, and so on. The adult child interaction is always going to be different from an adult to adult one, and some adults simply don't enjoy it. I actually do like children, but I understand why others may not.

I agree. But it's also in the same vein as those people that say they love kids. What, all of them?! Again, like they're all the same! Like adults, you get ones you can get along with but some... not so much.

Ok this is the weirdest comment yet. You do realise children are people right? not just objects created by parents? And children don’t have any choice about being children 😂

I’m not comparing it to homophobia or racism, no. I’m saying that it’s valid to say that disliking children because of their age is like disliking elderly people because of their age. Because it is purely on age, not skin colour or sexuality. (That would obviously be offensive.)

But if you keep your dislike to yourself and don’t make derogatory comments, then no harm done. In real life, that is to say.

Trying to compare disliking children to being homophobic or discrimination is actually ridiclious. Get a grip.

I’m not commenting on the opinion itself here. Only on the comment that parents choose to have their children, and that therefore children can’t be compared to elderly people, who don’t choose their age. Children themselves didn’t choose to be born or to be children. So the comparison is valid.

Some do go around telling others, including parents, that they don’t like children though. Those are the ones that are a problem and the ones OP is talking about, hence the title of her OP…. ‘To think it’s unacceptable to SAY you don’t like children?

It’s about it being inappropriate to SAY, especially in certain situation or to certain people. Not liking kids and not saying it obviously isn’t an issue. Anyone saying it aloud, in a lot of situations, has some issues and lacks tact at best.

No what’s daft is thinking everyone must have the same preferences in life.

Some aren’t keen on children, some aren’t keen on dogs. People are just being honest, they aren’t going around actively telling children they dislike them or treating them badly. No harm done, it’s called an opinion.

For some reason plenty of people on here seem to be unable to distinguish between children and their parents. It's moronic. I often read comments like "I don't want my taxes to be have to pay for the schooling and medical costs of other people's children. Why should I? Children are a lifestyle choice" and other such nonsense. Forgetting that the schooling / medical care is being paid for FOR THE CHILD and not the parent! They also seem to conveniently forget that the same costs would have been paid for them. Idiots.

I agree, that was a particularly daft comment. We’re talking about the children themselves, not the parents.

I don't like children, so sue me. And yes I do have one who is 30. He's no fan either so at least I will never be a granny, hurrah!

I don't particularly like other people's children. I'm not mean to them and speak to them in a kind way when the situation requires it, but I don't find them that interesting.

This! 👏

It’s not a stupid comment. Those were OPs examples of trying to make out saying you don’t like children is some kind of discrimination or illegal.

Now THAT is stupid.

I also don't like kids and that's my response when I'm constantly asked why I don't have any

well if someone says it to you and you have children that’s inappropriate.
I really don’t like teenagers and dreading the time my little ones become them 💆🏻‍♀️ I can say it here but wouldn’t say it to friends with teenage children.
I have my children and I love them and I like the company of friends’ children but when I’m off mother’s duties I don’t want to be abound any other children

I must admit that in family/social gatherings I gravitated to the children. Their interactions seemed more authentic and their capacity for joy is infectious. You don’t get that with adults. They’re much less hard work.

But if you want adult time without interruption they are a nightmare.

So choose your time. Family event accept there will be DC that have a right to be there and be themselves. Otherwise, adult only. Parents want adult only time too where they are not in parent mode.

What a stupid comment. People don't choose to get old or be gay sure. But also people don't choose to be born, or choose to be a child.

Again..it's not just a parenting site. I never read any of the parenting boards.

There, easier life for all around.
You stick with those who do not like children, but are still around a parenting site....
I stick around those who like children and consider them the greatest blessing of all.

I think it’s fine to not like kids, but what I find strange is people’s need to tell others unless you’re directly asked. And even then I wouldn’t engage with someone asking that irl. No one is that interested if you like or dislike kids, dogs, snakes or anything else.

Saying "I don't like children" is essentially sociopathic.

I say it !
I don't have or like kids. It's not a crime that I'm aware of to not like kids.
I also don't like a lot of people especially people who say they don't like Cats or Dogs.