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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To really, really dislike small children

175 replies

lakewiththewhiteswan · 24/04/2017 21:34

I know it's sounds awful.

Before I had children I pictured myself as a Mary poppins character , smiling serenely as children flocked naturally towards me, staring up at me with awed expressions and gently holding out a hand for me to clutch.

As it is I LOVE my children but gosh I find them relentless and hard, hard work. I know it's not their fault, they are good children but normal children so obviously everything is all about them.

The problem is they are so full on and demanding it just pushes anything else out. I can't have a conversation with a friend or DH or do anything really!

PLUS many friends have small children who do not treat me with starry expressions. Mostly they burst into tears if you smile at them

I'm glad I have had children but I wish I could cut out this 2-6ish period, I cannot cope!

OP posts:
OMGBecky · 24/04/2017 22:27

I loved kids until I had my own. Then I loved my kids and only mine. Everyone else's seem annoying and badly behaved, and listening to their parents going on about how they "choose their battles" while their little darling throws a fit gives me the rage.

dementedma · 24/04/2017 22:29

Older is better. My youngest is 15. He delurking from his bedroom to both and watched a David Attenborough programme with me - couldn't escape because the cat was sitting on him. He then did stupid voices for all the creatures which had me crying with laughter. The sea otters were very London, innit, whereas the Pangolin was terribly upper class. He then followed me into my bedroom and proceeded to annoy the hell out of me by refusing to get off my bed with mock fisticuffs and belligerent cries of "'Mon then!! Bring it on...". Finally, contrite he stood up and looked sorry, stretching out his arms and saying "Cuddle?"..And I damn well fell for it! Walked into his arms ( he's well over 6 foot) only to be picked off my feet and dumped onto the bed! Sod. But so much more fun than a mewling toddler.

zzzzz · 24/04/2017 22:43

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

yellowfrog · 24/04/2017 22:44

dementedma - he sounds superb!

puttingthegenieback · 24/04/2017 22:46

dementedma - this is a brilliant description and your son sounds fantastic! They can be excellent company at that age.

Lemonnaise · 24/04/2017 22:48

I like other people's children for about 5 minutes

I agree OP about the 2-6 stage. My DD is nearly 6 and things are getting sooo much more enjoyable. The storm is overGrin

Xmasbaby11 · 24/04/2017 22:48

I do actually like children but don't think I'm naturally good with them. Since I've had kids, I like them a lot more and make a real effort with my friends' kids.

mineofuselessinformation · 24/04/2017 22:54

I like them well enough when they're not old enough to answer back or alternatively when they're asleep.
I do love my own with all of my heart, though!

Bunnyfuller · 24/04/2017 23:01

I find my own ability to do baleful staring has improved drastically since becoming a mum. Lots at my own but even more so at the revolting little creatures that visit because I can't scream like a banshee at them when they piss me off

It's no wonder mummy animals eat theirs sometimes.

gandalf456 · 24/04/2017 23:03

Yes they are hard work but they get easier at about 7 then they get harder again at 11/12

Original poster
lakewiththewhiteswan · 24/04/2017 23:04

Yes, it is the 2-6 stage and I'm not really bothered if bibbity finds me awful :)

I like babies. But then when you can't reason with them at all and they cry and cry and wail and other people's are the worst because you are scary to them so they try to hide their faces or refuse to speak so you can't show your Mary poppins skills even if you want to but look like the child catcher.

Seven plus is okay.

OP posts:
Salmotrutta · 24/04/2017 23:07

The toddler stage is a mess of snot and wet pants isn't it?

Then you have a quite nice primary school age if you can cope with the endless talking and questions Grin

But the teenage years are something else - hilarious, distressing and wonderfully challenging.

That's why I'm a Secondary school teacher - teenagers are wonderful and horrifying in equal measure and I absolutely love my job.

Of course, my own children were perfect little angels...

Salmotrutta · 24/04/2017 23:10

I'm sure bibbity must be joking?

No?

Or maybe not.

Original poster
lakewiththewhiteswan · 24/04/2017 23:11

Nah she's not I bet my youngest on it.

OP posts:
IHeartDodo · 24/04/2017 23:18

I find babies /very small children scary because you can't really communicate with them, and they're so unreasonable!
Once they're about 4 you can ask them why they're crying but before that they're like badly trained pets!
Disclaimer: have no children, but have been a beaver/cub scout leader for several years!

IHeartDodo · 24/04/2017 23:19

That's age 5-8 for beavers and 8-11 for cubs BTW.

BaronessBomburst · 24/04/2017 23:28

Mine is 7; Minecraft

Shitonmyshoe · 24/04/2017 23:29

Word to the wise. It gets more and more difficult as they get older. Gotta love the teenage years Grin

thatverynightinmaxsroom · 24/04/2017 23:29

YABU.

Children are wonderful. Their imaginations, their excitement, their wonder... They don't hold grudges or get into bad moods - I mean they get cross but then they get over it, not like adults.

There are few things I enjoy more than watching my kids and their friends playing (all preschoolers). And I used to work with school age kids and loved them too.

Treat kids with respect and they will be lovely to you.

Original poster
lakewiththewhiteswan · 24/04/2017 23:29

Hmm that last sentence is sooooooo not true

OP posts:
thatwouldbeanecumenicalmatter · 24/04/2017 23:38

I tell you which random kid I freeking loved, was the tweenager who happily sat with baby DD and I in a play park sand pit and told DD everything about minecraft for ages while he made sand castles with us - he was a sweet soul Smile

owenjonesismyhero · 24/04/2017 23:41

The OP did not say 'hate' so some OTT comments.

Bit harsh to say you really really dislike small children, frankly.

How about, I really really dislike teenagers as I assume they will all behave a certain way and piss me off?

I really really dislike old people, as I assume they will all behave a certain way and piss me off.

I really really dislike Jamaicans, as I assume they will behave a certain way and piss me off

I really really dislike Irish people (I'm one my myself so I'm not immune to this dislike) but assume they will behave a certain way and piss me off.

I suggest they really piss you off in an individual way before you say owt about them.

I've met some really small children who I've been so happy to spend a day with, and some who I can't wait to hand over to the parents. I'm a childminder.

Grin
Draylon · 24/04/2017 23:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
lakewiththewhiteswan · 24/04/2017 23:46

Don't be silly owen

OP posts:
Bellabooboo · 24/04/2017 23:57

I must be odd but wasn't fussed about kids then had my own and now I love them. Find newborns a bit boring but 6 months up are lush. I just love the innocence and discovery of childhood. I do dislike lazy parenting though but don't we all?
Agree it's a bit off to dislike an entire generation but I kind of feel the same about baby boomers 😉