How many people actually like children?

[Whitehorses67]

I detest children.

Yes, I know that is a sweeping statement and that, as with adults, children vary but as a group I find them almost universally irritating, selfish and generally unpleasant to be with.

Of course at very young ages selfishness is understandable because understanding of others needs as separate beings is a developmental stage and I excuse that (but still don’t want to be in their company) however so many older children continue in this manner to young adulthood.

This is exacerbated by the modern cult of self which encourages “putting yourself first”, “living your best life”, “being your authentic self” and other bollocky catch phrases.

A generation of wannabe “influencers” and reality tv stars is created whose only aim is money and fame and enjoying themselves.

All very well but who does that leave doing actual important work to maintain society and support others?

Does anyone else admit to not liking children? Or at least only liking your own?

Agree with this. If someone posted they "detested" all people over the age of 65 because they were all selfish then they'd be rightly called out for being ageist. How is this any different? Fine to not want kids and fine to not want to spend time in their company but to say you detest them all is gross and it IS bigoted.

I don't mind children, but I also don't gravitate toward them if I'm not related/connected to them. If I'm in a queue or something I smile or chat to them/mum, to pass the time as we wait. I've helped the odd mum out or said something encouraging/helpful if she needing a hand etc - not in an interfering way, more a solidarity type way, after all most of us with (a) child(ren) have appreciated a moment of kindness over the years. I try not to mind them making a noise playing etc (playing field near my house), but I do admit to donning headphones to block it out sometimes. We've all been children, we've all been annoying and it's also not a child's fault if parent's don't parent very well.

That's a shame you feel like that because some children are a lot of fun to be around.I do think society has changed a lot, presumably since you were a child.
I don't think the influencers are to blame, these ideas about childcare have been influenced by many things including so called specialists in the field.
I agree a little that society seems much more selfish, and some children learn this from their parents.
I am starting working with childrenagsin in September after a break, I am looking forward to it.
Perhaps you've been taken advantage of in some of your caring jobs?
Which seems to be a thing with that sort of work.
Hope you change your mind about children as a whole.

I don’t like rude, obnoxious children (or adults for that matter) but I find my own dds pretty awesome - loving, funny, kind - and their friends are all similar, not like you describe at all. Mine are 13-17. Teens are my favourite stage. I find that if you give dc time and attention they are very giving.

I’m over 50 and feel I fit your description very well 😆

So part of your dislike of children is fuelled by self-obsessed influencers… who are adults?

Can you explain the ‘logic’ of this? I’m not quite seeing it.

“I detest children”

Your life sounds tough. I quite like children and teenagers. I find it easy to connect with them in a playful or lighthearted manner.
I don’t know you but you come across as someone who is more serious and would find it difficult to connect in lighthearted and fun ways with people.
The kids and teens I know are not selfish. If you spend time with them, you ll see that many kids are considerate, love animals, want to do meaningful work and volunteer with charities.

Love other peoples children. And occasionally my own 🤣. Am special needs teacher and I love my students and all their achievements. My kids say I like my students more than them. I have told them they cause me less drama and stress !

Your post makes zero sense to me- you "detest" children due to influencers on social media (who are um.....adults).

WTF have adult influencers got to do with detesting all children.

Sorry but you sound more than a bit unhinged.

Your options are too leading to pick. I love mine and some others. I meet many lovely ones and many I can't stand. Some days it can be thrilling watching them play and learn to me. I think it pushes me to go more places and see more things- I hadn't been to a theme park for a long time before the kids.

OP, I’m not sure this was the best forum to post this on, I imagine some members will be absolutely aghast!

That said, I’m a bit torn about what you’re saying. To be honest, I think you’re generalising. Not all kids are the same, just like not all adults are the same. Some are lovely, some are awful. That’s just people.

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of kids I don’t know (and even a few I do know - but that’s another story!). But in my experience, when children are really unpleasant, it’s usually a reflection of the parents especially those entitled, obnoxious ones. They tend to raise kids who behave in the same way.

Kids can be loud, chaotic, and sometimes annoying, but they’re also still learning. Most aren’t trying to irritate anyone on purpose (don’t get me wrong - some are!) Many are funny, sweet, and full of curiosity. Like adults, they have their flaws but also a lot of good in them too.

I always think it's odd when people say they don't like children. They're just people, some are nice and some are not! You wouldn't say I don't like adults, would you?

I like them well enough as long as they’re not a) spoilt brats who have been allowed to think that the universe revolves around them, or b) whiners. I really can’t bear whining - my own dds learned very early on that unless they talked properly, I was deaf.

Being paid doesn't negate the fact that it's a job which is beneficial to society.

I find it repellent and horrible for anyone to declare they dislike a subset of people. I feel sorry for you.

I can understand your post. Unfortunately, this forum is probably not the best place to post as there are always people who wilfully misunderstand what point you (and other posters) are trying to make and then throw it all back in your face.
To answer your post though, I have three adult children who I love but don’t always agree with/like sometimes. I have brought them up to be polite and useful members of society (they’re not famous or influencers). I do struggle sometimes in school holidays as I live in a village and young kids are roaming free and can be annoying. I have two dogs and try to avoid these kids running up and trying to touch them. Not sure if their parents know where their children are or if they care. A small problem I know, but I like to walk in peace 😊

I understand there is a lot of selfishness in society and some children just like adults can be shits at times.
Education starts at home and some people don't know how to parent properly.
However, you can't tar everyone with the same brush. There are lots of children as well as adults that are doing wonderful things in society.
One of my dc is a cadet and regularly goes out volunteering in society and would be there providing first aid for you if you needed it. We need to stop thinking this way about children. Children learn from us and it's up to us to teach them right from wrong and how to be a good member of society.

Very good point!

Is it taboo? Really? Because I know plenty of women who seem to constantly bang on about their hatred for children.

Only posting here so that the people on the other ‘DP hates children’ thread don’t think I started this one 😆😆

I find other peoples children tedious and annoying, with rare exceptions. I adore my own.

Puzzled by the 'all children grow up to be influencers and reality stars" argument.
Eh?
None of the teens I know are doing that. They are all working to be doctors, lawyers, teachers, journalists, engineers...
Maybe it's the company you keep?

Anyway, I detest pubs. Thought you should know. It's taboo in this country.

You asked her to say how she supports society and others. She pretty much nailed that with her response. Don't be a cunt about it just because she was so succinctly and excellently able to come back at you with evidence!🤣

I detest almost all the children I have ever met.

I used to be very intolerant of young kids up until the point I had my own and then my attitude massively changed.

my son is 10 and I really like most of his friends, they’re good kids