An adult who is attracted to children is not born with an aversion toward adults but over time comes to feel rejected in their world. This might be due to the kinds of abuse and separation mentioned earlier. It is also possible that efforts made to become an integral part of the adult world are met with rejection—real or perceived. This rejection is nothing new; its roots are firmly anchored in the individual’s childhood.

The box surrounding the adult world is an imposing structure to such a person; there won’t be that many efforts to break through. The world of children has its boundaries as well, but because of an adult’s position in that world, it is possible to enter without too much difficulty. Children trust adults for protection and recognize that having their needs met often means surrendering to the authority of an adult.


It doesn’t take long for the adult to realize that his or her needs are met in the world of children far easier than they ever would be in the world of adults. The trust betrayed by such adults, however, is a trust that will be difficult to restore.

This makes a lot of sense to me, and I can see myself to some degree. I have always been more comfortable around children, probably because I don't feel threatened by them. I sometimes feel threatened by adults. Adults have learned to hide what they are really thinking or feeling, where as children are usually upfront and honest. When interacting with adults, I often find myself wondering "what are they REALLY thinking or feeling" and I wonder how they are perceiving me. With kids they don't hide what they are thinking.

Dakota