Cross Breeds

Why don't I have motherly instincts with kids but I do with dogs?

My whole life ever since I was a little girl I have LOVED animals. Especially dogs. Recently as I'm getting older I've realized I'm not really a kid person. When someone brings their baby to work I never want to hold it...but if it were a dog I'd fight to play with it and pet it. Kids don't even amaze me, sure I think they are cute but dogs pull at my heart. I've heard tons of women go crazy over babies and kids saying "I want one" but I only do that with puppies or dogs. People say there is nothing like having children and it's such a great experience but I don't feel that way. I think there is nothing better then the love of an animal especially a dog. To me that's rewarding. So I was wondering if anyone else feels this same way? Is there something wrong with me?

Public Comments

1. I feel exactly the same way. NEVER have I looked at a baby and gotten that squishy feeling or longed to have my own. I'm 36 and that hasn't changed.
2. I'm the same, I don't "do" kids or babies, but I love dogs and puppies.
3. No I don't feel the same way, but I can understand how you feel. I realize that not all people are geared towards having children, and you are one of these people. It could change possibly, but if you never have interest in having children, there's nothing wrong in that. I now have 3 dogs, and I had 2 children. My dogs give me more unconditional love than my children have given me. As infants my children gave unconditional love, but as they grew there were strings... I had to do what they wanted or treat them as they wanted. What I did for them... gave up for them... was not appreciated, even now that they are 38 and 40. I love them both, but I love my 3 dogs who guard me now as much as I love my boys and the dogs never complain and are happy with all I do for them. There's nothing wrong with you. You are simply honest about your feelings. by the way... neither of my boys has chosen to marry or have children...
4. There is absolutely nothing "wrong" with you. There are 6 billion human beings on this planet -- you not wanting have one isn't going to make or break the species! ;) Babies make me uncomfortable -- and I certainly don't want to touch them. I think I would only consider having a child if I could give birth to a 5 year old. However, I love puppies of any shape or type, and I always say hello to dogs I see with other people, even if I'm just walking by.
5. I feel completely the same!! I can't handle kids... but I can tame every dog.
6. I've always loved animals. Never felt the need to breed personally. So I never did. I did plenty of babysitting and was happy when the parents came home. Just never wanted one of my own and that never changed My motto: I wasn't broken, but now I'm fixed ! LOL
7. I am the same way. Some kid will come up do some stupid thing that everyone thinks is adorable and I will make a nasty comment. People think Im being funny but I m serious. I told a parent last night their kid leaves that bike on the sidewalk Ill steal it and I went as far as telling her I was paying another boy a dollar to take it. Another neighbor got it out of the way but I hate everything kids do. I am a firm believer that children should not be seen or heard!!! Added: I did have my own child and I felt even stronger about my aversion towards children
8. No, I don't think there's anything wrong with you. Until I had my own child, I preferred dogs (& cats) to kids. There are some times (especially now that she's a teenager) that I still do. And apart from my own child, I still prefer the 'critters'. I wish I could find a paid position that would allow me to spend most of my time with dogs (& cats, rabbits, horses) and maintain or exceed my current income.
9. I felt the same way, and kids didnt like me either. then I had my son and I wasnt all overly emotional like other women seemed to be but trust me I do love my son as much as any other mother and now children love me and I love them. I didnt see the miracle in birth until I happened to me, now I am amazed by babies and birth. My son is now a father, and now I understand why all grandparents think their grandkids are perfect...............because mine is too.
10. Some people just don't have the maternal instincts. I applaud you for recognizing it and not having kids. My husband's ex-wife did not have a maternal bone in her body, yet had 4 kids that she negelcted and abused, but she had 2 chihuahuas that were the love of her life. She wouldn't go anywhere without the dogs but the kids lived with us most of the time and sometimes would see her only a couple of times a year. You don't say your age, maybe you are still young and one day you will feel the maternal instict kick in. For now, focus your love on your animals and I know they will love you back tenfold.
11. I don't feel the same way but i guess its because you see something more in dogs and other animals than you do babies and children. It also may be because you find the dogs or animals more comforting or compassionate but not kids.
12. Yah, I'm the same way, only I absolutely hate children. And puppies, but that's only because I get irritated really easily. I'm only 15 though, so everyone says I'll change my mind. But I'm rather socially inept, and I have some emotional problems, so being with other people has never been my strong point. I love my dog, and I'd die for him. He's been there for me when no one else wanted to. He listens to me and he never criticizes me.
13. I'm exactly the same way. I don't care for kids and don't want to be around them. When someone brings one to work I hide, when they bring a dog I'm right there. Some people don't like kids and some people don't like animals and never will. I do have a son that is the love of my life.
14. I don't think that there is anything wrong with you. For you animals bring you great joy. I too love animals but I love my children too. There is a big difference between a child and an animal in that the animal is always dependant. Perhaps you like that dependancy in the animal.
15. YES!! I know exactly what you mean. I love all animals, but my main loves are cats. I don't really care to hold babies or think kids are just SO cute or anything(like so many other people do). But if I see a puppy or a kitten, I go berserk. I love them. To me, they are much cuter than kids. I do hope to have at least one child in my life, so hopefully that one will be cute to me. But for now, its animals all the way. They are just adorable. So if there is something wrong with that, we can just be wrong together.
16. i don't know but i feel the same, after 50 years and no kids(by choice) i have come to the conclusion that human beings are nasty things and dogs are the best. so don't feel strange there are lots of us out there.