KateShroud wrote:
This is true in most cases I think. I just thought I'd bring it up, because I have no maternal instinct. When I'm around a baby or little kid, I'm confused, anxious, and have no idea how to act or communicate. Other women seem to know exactly what needs to be done. This probably belongs in another topic, but could this be AS related?
I don't think theres anything wrong with you. I had a cousin who was such a tomboy and she always insisted she did not like or want kids and there was never going to be anything that would change her mind. Then after 30 she shocked us all by suddenly wanting a child and had two and she is the most maternal thing you'd ever seen (although only with her kids, I must admit. She's one of those competitve mothers that is feirce about protecting the interests of her kids above all others). My mother also said she never knew what to do with babies and was very nervous around children when she was younger. She went into elementary school teaching and had no idea how she would relate to the children at all. But as soon as she had her own kids she said it just turned on like a light switch. I think awkwardness around other peoples kids has nothing to do with how you will be around your own. Then again other people will be just as happy not having kids at all but this does not mean that instinct is missing or lacking. We can take care of others in other ways, such as through education or just caring for humanity and its development in any way we can and I think even that is part of the maternal instinct. It doesn't have to be in the normal or expected ways.
Also, just the fact that you're "anxious" or confused indicates an emotional reaction, which indicates a protective response.