It's ok for a guy to show affection for babies?

Question

I'm 38 and single. Never have had kids, but I like playing with them and love carrying babies around. I guess it's my paternal instinct kicking in, and the bio-clock ticking or something.

The question I had is, since many of my friends are married and have small children, is it ok for a guy friend to show that you like kids? Because most men I know act as if they didn't notice them.

Thanks.

Actually, more than real friends they are acquaintances. I've had to move a lot around the planet because of my work.

Answer 1

I get the biggest kick out of how funny my fiance is with babies! Ordinarily, he's this . . . "guy" guy (hard to put it . . . he's not macho, or anything, not much . . . ) He's a giant goofball, and, if it weren't for his relationship with me, based on the way he acts, a lot of people would think he's gay (sounds harsh . . . but he's just such a goof, that's now he comes across! He jokingly hits on some of our male coworkers, even!)

BUT, when there's a baby around, especially our two-year-old, and especially if he thinks no one's looking, he turns into this giant mush! It's so funny to see! And the kids love him! We actually work in a grocery store, and I've caught him making faces at babies in their strollers, while he rings Mom out or something! I crack up every time . . . And our daughter is "Daddy's girl," completely. I have some great pictures from when she was born of him just staring at her in rapt attention! I've actually framed a few of them and hung them in the living room!

Even my five-year-old daughter (from my first marriage) thinks he's the greatest . . . which was a prerequisit before we started dating. They both love video games, and he'll sometimes surprise me by picking up a game for the two of them to play together . . . lets me have some peace and quiet for an afternoon!

So, I think it's great when guys show interest in children! I wish more of them did . . . we've got too many deadbeat dads running around!

Do you plan on having children of your own at some point? Sounds like you'd make a good dad! In the meantime, there are programs like Big Brothers who'd love to have a guy like you around!

I wouldn't worry about what other guys think!

Answer 2

It's perfectly fine..I would say as long as the parents are fine w/you holding their babies (kids)..Most parents like having a break from the kiddos..even for a little bit...a distraction from someone else is also an added influence on the kids...like an uncle or similar...Also we all being human beings crave the touch of another person...I'm just a touchy feely kind of person..I have always loved on my kids and any one elses that didn't mind me loving on their kids...just b/c you are a man doesn't mean there is anything wrong with it...you are like you said, feeling that paternal instinct...that is a good thing...the beginning of a good father..love a baby (child)!! One of the best things we can give them is love, trust, and goofy times together...ok I could go on and on..but I'll stop for now..take care..
~peace~

Answer 3

That's a fantastic trait to have... it is okay it's just in today society men have to be macho, gay, or pervs so it's hard for the good guys still out there to just be themself. I think it's wonderful and you shouldn't worry about what other people do because you are a grown man and don't have to impress anyone and it's better to be yourself than to be fake. lol, You should hurry though if you want kids of your own... soon they will be able to get away from you at 3 yrs old...

Answer 4

One of my best friends was 19 when he knocked a girl up and he was totally freaked out. But when his daughter was born he waltzed into our work (we worked together at the time) with her held high like the lion king yelling "LOOK WHAT I MADE!! LOOK AT MY AWESOME DAUGHTER!!" LOL - it was pretty rad. I have actually heard more that one guy say to me "I never actually knew what love was until now". You sound like a great, loving, and adoring father. Its only "strange" because many people dont get to hear about guys like you. But think about it - in all honesty we all know even the most toughest harley biker still talks in that little boy voice when they hold a little puppy. The fact that you made a human being is way more heavier than that! I say: Rock on, Manliest of Man-Land!

Answer 5

Absolutely. I am a married man with no children and I love being around my friends kids, too. They are fun to play with and so funny to talk to. Wisdom and truth comes out of the mouths of babes. I would think you were rude if you didn't pay attention to them if they were mine.

Answer 6

Totally OK and you will get positive feedback from women! You might be on your way to a new relationship and a baby of your own. Your ability to care for others shows. Many men don't have that ability or security. My husband had so much caring for his young siblings I thought he'd be a great dad. Too bad he only had that caring for them...it hasn't translated to our kids...he just resents them.

Answer 7

Putting on a macho act by behaving indifferently towards children (when you really like them) tells me that such a person is uncomfortable with themselves.

I think it's great that you like kids. In fact, I generally won't befriend people that don't like kids because I expect for them to be friendly to my children.

Answer 8

Definately show them affection. Even offer to babysit and give the parents a break so they can go out. You'll become an apprecated friend and who couldn't use more of those

Answer 9

I think it is sweet and wonderful for men to play with children and pay attention to them. I think that it makes children feel special and accepted and loved. And I think that holding babies reminds us of Heaven...babies are such a special gift.

Answer 10

I LOVE when my husbands friends show an interest in my children while they are visiting my husband. Its lovely and nothing wrong with it at all. Makes life a little easier on mum too!