Are you interested in other people's babies?

I could only ever relate to children who were the same age as my own whatever age they were. Now with a teenage GS I find I'm quite interested in his friends even though I'd never have thought I'd be drawn to teenagers. I think it's because I can relate to them in the same way I relate to my GS.

No interest in children whatsoever - its why I never wanted any of my own - even if you do like children it can be really tedious listening to others gushing over their little darlings (children/grandchildren). I honestly think some people don't realise just how much they are boring their friends and relatives with interminable photos and chat about the rugrats.

We've had some oddities recently haven't we Callistemon! Just like the old days of onesies and plimsolls!

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Message deleted as it quotes a deleted post.

Gordon Bennett! Is it a full moon tonight or something?

Message deleted by Gransnet. Here's a link to our Talk guidelines.

I love babies and children of all ages. They bring me joy and hope whilst caring for mother. My cousin's daughter had a lovely baby called Willow. She is wonderful. Her face is so expressive
Her big sister Olive is a delight and a wonderful sister. She is 5 and has just started school. My mother is in bed all day. She has no interest at all. I do not understand it at all. She refuses to open her eyes.
I love watching babies and children. There was a delightful boy with an older disabled sister. He was so kind to his sister. His mother was very embarrassed by her disabled child

I love babies and small children so yes, I am interested in them. They are our future!

No I'm not really interested in other people's babies....but then I don't bore them to death with my grandchildren either

I had babies and children around for twenty three years, my own and respite care children with special needs. I then became a granny.
I so much miss babies and can’t wait to be a great granny. I peer into other people’s prams. BUT I do not want to see dozens of pictures of other people’s grandchildren who I will never know. Real children yes, pictures no.

4allweknow

Its so hard nowadays to know which way to react towards children. As expressed by OP if non gushing you are scorned and if you do show a lot of interest you could be viewed with suspicion. I would express my thoughts to the adult and only make physical contact in the presence of the accompanying adult.

Good point. You're apparently not allowed even touch anyone's baby nowadays, nevermind pick them up or cuddle them. But at the same time you should be fascinated by twenty billion photos and videos of them

Germanshepherdsmum

Similar to me Oofy except I married at 19 and my son was born when I was 34, never worked with babies or children though and didn’t have the slightest interest until I suddenly decided I did want a baby at 33 and I’m very glad I had that change of heart. Never been interested in any other children though and wondering how I’ll manage if I become a grandmother. I really worry about it as I’m so close to my son and daughter in law but I fear I may offend them.

I wouldn't worry about it, to be honest. I was the same - had no interest in babies or children whatsoever until I had my two, and certainly wasn't anxious to become a granny. When my grandson did arrive though, I loved him from the start just as I did with my children. Still have no interest in other people's children or grandchildren though, and if he turns out to be my only grandchild, it wouldn't bother me. If you do become a grandmother, I'm sure you'll be just fine.

I enjoyed my own children when they were babies and small children. They are now grown up and l do not have grandchildren although friends do. I always take appropriate interest and admire photos, but I am interested to a point. When it comes to other people’s children, I prefer older children and teenagers - the age group l teach.

Yes I'm interested other people's babies, but even more interesteed in other people's dogs (better at remembering names too)

Obviously I loved my children, but to be honest I wasn't really over keen on Other people's children, still not!!

Its so hard nowadays to know which way to react towards children. As expressed by OP if non gushing you are scorned and if you do show a lot of interest you could be viewed with suspicion. I would express my thoughts to the adult and only make physical contact in the presence of the accompanying adult.

Not interested at all to be honest. I just zone out when someone starts talking about babies and showing photographs. Can't say that I'm too keen on having someone's puppy thrust in my face as happened to me quite recently whilst out walking with my neighbour, a friend of hers had a new puppy which she brought out to show us when we passed her house. Why do people think it's acceptable to expect anyone to welcome a dog being thrust in their face licking and slobbering ?

Similar to me Oofy except I married at 19 and my son was born when I was 34, never worked with babies or children though and didn’t have the slightest interest until I suddenly decided I did want a baby at 33 and I’m very glad I had that change of heart. Never been interested in any other children though and wondering how I’ll manage if I become a grandmother. I really worry about it as I’m so close to my son and daughter in law but I fear I may offend them.

I really enjoy interacting with children whenever I get the opportunity. Their curiosity fascinates me, their joy in simple things is a real pleasure, but their energy exhausts me!

Married at 29, but dd didn’t come along till 10 years later. Non -appearance did not bother me in the slightest, but adored her straight away when she arrived. Wasn’t at all gooey about babies before then or since, despite (or maybe because of) working in maternity department. Puppies, on the other hand……….. ! Wonder how I’ll feel when (and if) gc come along.?

Phew, I'm so glad I read this thread - I thought there must be something wrong with me for being uninterested in other people's children! I love my own grandchildren but did find them boring when babies, much more interesting as they grow up, but I wouldn't inflict their progress on anyone else!

Anneeba

Love babies, toddlers, little children, big ones, young adults; so much energy and sense of fun (get the monosyllabic teenager on their own). Also love all animals, especially baby ones...

Much more fun than many adults, aren't they Anneeba!

I’m afraid I could no more coo over babies or children than fly to the moon! I had fertility treatment to have my son and absolutely adored him when he was born (still do) but I knew straight away I didn’t ever want anymore. Funnily enough he’s not interested in babies or children apart from his only son but my own father and his mother were the same! BUT give me a puppy ? and I'll coo and go gag gah as much as you like! It’s a good job we’re not all the same.

Love babies, toddlers, little children, big ones, young adults; so much energy and sense of fun (get the monosyllabic teenager on their own). Also love all animals, especially baby ones...