Gays: Did becoming an uncle (or aunt) change your perspective on kids?

No. While I dearly love my niece and nephew, I am glad I have my own life to live.

As a guncle, I too have become extremely patient with kids. Screaming and active kids on a plane, for example, don’t bother me at all anymore. I had a kid in the seat behind me once kicking the back of my seat. I honestly reframed it that it was a little massage, and was fine the whole flight

As a godfather and uncle, I learned to engage/play with them at their level. Their boundless energy, creating games (buying bubble machines) and helping them to learn was often fantastic. And fun.

BUT THERE WAS ALWAYS A SILVER LINING: I could slam the door when they left and put my caftan back on.

My nephew and I have always been close. When he was a boy he asked to spend every birthday here with me and my husband. Now that he is 33 and my husband (the bio uncle) has died the nephew and I are closer than ever. He is my best friend. As others have said being the uncle is fantastic. Never had any desire to be the parent.

I now realize it’s ridiculous to blame the parent when a child is crying or generally upset.

Kids change emotions at the drop of a hat over nothing, no matter how fantastic a parent you are

It confirmed that I did not want children of my own. I have several nieces and nephews. I love them, and enjoyed spending time with them, but I like them to return home.

I truly believe gays were created as naturally caring and child-rearing supportive beings.

It makes complete sense that we attach to our nieces and nephews

No time did. When they were small found them the most enchanting beautiful creatures. As adults walking talking hellscapes and financial black holes. Made the right call paying for her DNC.

No. Although I love my nephews and niece - they are just too weird for me. My parents raised my brother and I to be independent. That is not how my brother and SIL raised their kids. Today, they are approaching their late 20s and seem to be incapable of holding down a job let alone have any interest in getting out onto their own. I know it's more expensive today and wouldn't care if they were still living at home to save money, but it is more than that. They act more like 13-year-olds than almost 30-year-olds.

R9 - that's common now for kids to be living with their parents until 30 - the highest percentage of young adults living at home since the Depression.

I don't know how much of it is their fault or if it's the lack of opportunity to grow up when they cannot afford to live on their own. Instilled dependence but there's almost no choice for so many of them.

It made me realize that I was not cut out for parenthood.

I wish I could euthanize my nephew….his sister is ok though

Follow the Nancy Mitford pattern ' I love children, especially when they cry, for then someone takes them away'.

I'm an only child.

I generally like kids, though.

the most thankless job on earth