To ask if you enjoy the company of small children (preschool sort of an age)

[Mightneedencouraged]

I really don't which I feel bad about because they're usually trying so hard but my GOD they are boring and effortful.

5+ a different matter, you can have a good chat and they can do activities.

Nope. Babies? Yes, love them. But kids from approx 1yo to about 5yo, I'd rather not.

I think they’re great… in small doses, pleased mine are through that stage, but have loved every stage so far in its own way.

I like toddlers in very small doses. I also like teens.

Babies and aged about 6 to 14 bore me to tears, to be honest.

They can be fun in small doses, especially if the parents aren't letting them run riot.

I find babies pretty boring though.

Depends on the child. I have 5 and they’re all so different. I found my DD’s particularly testing at that age, especially DD1. She was always highly strung tbh, from birth but as she got older this manifested in her never wanting to go to bed, throwing almighty tantrums often and in public, being terrified of various minor things like flies or dogs so would scream whenever confronted by either… I could go on. That age with her was the toughest and I reached my limit. DS’s have always been relatively calm in comparison so much easier to handle.

I have grandchildren from age 3 to 20 and I have enjoyed all stages, probably because I can give them back! The three year old has come on in leaps and bounds since starting nursery and chats about all sorts of things now most of which begin with 'last time ...'!

Yes, love them all from 0 to 16, it is the older adults, even if related to me, where I find it hard going.

Find the baby stage boring as so little interaction. Love toddlers! From 1-3/4, adorable and hilarious! My son is nearing 5 and is becoming too cheeky and emotional 😂

Under 1 .... no
1-1.5 reasonably okay
1.5 - school age Yes please. Just LOVE this age.

I do, I just find them curious about the world, developing personalities and mostly lots of fun.
I have godchildren and great nieces and nephews around that age at the moment and we willingly go on holiday together! I love spending time with them.

I usually do, but not my own four old 😭 he’s non stop button pressing and risk taking. It’s exhausting and no fun.

0-9 months, yes. Then 18 months plus. Toddlers can brighten your day. I'm getting passed having the patience for 9-18 months and being able to physically carry them all day.

Exactly this. They're a massive pain in the arse. Unless they're your own child and then they're 90% a massive pain in the arse and 10% your little darling.

I think it depends on the child. Some pre schoolers are super funny and it cracks me up hearing some of the phrases they pick up from adults.

I am a Great Aunt to many children of that age,so cute.

nope. 6-7 years and older only. Don’t care about babies either

I work with this age (preschool) and I adore it! Once children turn 3, their rate of development is incredible and they are so curious, interesting and imaginative. I love seeing little senses of humour come through and being allowed to join their world.
I’d honestly rather spend time with preschoolers than most adults!

I don’t mind babies and toddlers at all, but I find 4-10 too silly.

I used to think it was a real shame kids started school just as they were becoming quite nice to be around. I really cherished my time with mine just before starting school. Otherwise my two has quite different points of being hard work. One of mine was angelic until 3 and then quite challenging. The other had a period of terrible twos when It was challenging to go out with them.

I love spending time with them now at primary age. You can have a genuinely nice day and a civilised lunch.

Yes but only my own. I am not remotely interested in other people’s children.

Only ever my own at that age

Nope. I cant be arsed. I've done my time.

I dont dislike kids at all. They are cute and funny. Just in short bursts and ideally from a distance.

I work with 2-5 year olds and I love it. Such curious little things.

under 2 is a different matter though

Oh absolutely this.

Oh I love babies/kids generally but toddlers can be so funny. DH and I look after our DGS who is 2.5 and we never laugh as much as when we're spending time with him. We are knackered when he goes home mind you but he is just joyous.