People who like to say they hate children

[Dom Tuk]

As a parent how would you react to someone who says quite proudly that they hate children.

[Artful]

I didn't realise you could get a prize Dom Tuk - so that's why some ?s are so..... ermm...... what's the word?

Anyway, surely people don't like to say they hate children. I know, the little b***ers can get me down but the big b*g*ers do too at times. Often in interviews I've been asked "Why haven't you got any children?" and then I'll reply "Good Lord! Children? Can't stand 'em!" End of interview! What the devil does it have to do with anyone to ask such an intimate question? If my answer shocks them, too flipping bad, they shouldn't have asked.

[Artful]

Mark you, I shouldn't really be answering anyway as I'm not a parent. My husband has a son, does that count? The son and I had a dreadful relationship when he was (we were) younger nd then I didn't

[nicola_red]

I don't like children either, but hate's a strong word.  I just avoid them where possible, but it's hard in public places...damn.

[magicdice]

as a non-parent, with the verbal equivalent of "?!" fortunately i'm still of the age & mentality where i do consider kids as miniature people, and so saying "i hate children" is a sweeping generalisation because all kids are different. yeah, some of them are a pain in the arse, some won't shut up and some are too shy to be able to talk to, but the same is true of all groups of people. i'm not the sort of person who would ever want to have kids of my own, or work with children, however "hate" is a veeeeeeeeeery strong word. especially when you come to look for a boundary as to when someone is no longer a child. technically i still am. hence, i hate you all too!

[PlainJane]

I used to be a child. Do you hate me?