How do men feel about wanting children?

[LePetitLarousse]

I ask this question because I'm trying to understand the distinction, if there is one, for men, between those who are happy to become fathers, and those that feel a real urge to do so.

In my circle of friends, it seems that many female friends had a burning desire to have children, whereas their partners seem more happy to have had children, and are totally supportive, without the same urge. Does this make sense? Do many men feel a paternal urge?

My DH was just as broody as I was before we had kids.

My (male) dp wanted a baby for nearly 20 years before I came round to the idea........

My DH was so broody and devastated when we lost our first pregnancy, HOWEVER, he would often act like he wasn't bothered around friends and family. I think 'playing it cool' is pretty common whereas women are more open about wanting kids

I think we possibly underestimate the ticking clock issue that a woman is much more aware of so can seem more relaxed about it in general. I think men who have fertility problems probably then have a similar glimpse of what it could be like to have to consider the biological issues as women do.

Also, I think girls have been conditioned to nurture children (e.g. dolls) whereas boys tend not to have this. Action Man vs Cindy is comparable, but there's no male Tiny Tears baby doll equivalent,

I also believe there's an evolutionary factor and increased bonding between mother and child (carrying a child inside your body and breastfeeding can't just be discounted can they?)

My ex said that ALL men are coerced into having children and that no man ever really wants a baby. They agree to it to placate their partner.
He was a shit.

My two bro's were broody for kids.

Anybody who says ALL men or ALL women think and feel a specific way are just prone to exaggeration and more importantly, wrong.

My husband was more keen on having our first, I was then more keen to crack on with a second (now pregnant).

Agree as above men are socialised not to talk about wanting kids particularly, whereas women are popularly assumed to spend a considerable amount of time from childhood planning their weddings and naming their future children

My DH was desperate for children.

He wanted to start trying earlier than I did.

We tried to conceive for years and years and he was absolutely overjoyed when we our treatment was finally successful.

He is a wonderful father. Completely hands on. He’s also a brilliant Uncle and Godfather.

Both his best mates found their partners later in life and were also desperate to have children and fortunately had them quite quickly.

My husband is really broody and can't wait to start a family.

My DH was ambivalent really. He's a decent father but doesn't adore them in the same way that I do. He'd never say that but I know. I was briefly with a man prior to him who was desperate to be a dad but he was also a drunken idiot. Other than that none of my male friends or previous partners been that interested in kids.