Colin Firth finds kids "loathsome" (except his own, of course)

by Jennifer Jordan (Subscribe to Jennifer Jordan's posts) Sep 5th 2008 1:01PM

Categories: Celeb Parenting, Rumors, Behaving Badly

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Actually, that statement may not quite be true. The actor, known for his roles in the Bridget Jones movies as well as the new Mama Mia, has three kids of his own but finds small children "loathsome" at times. But, the hottie's words may have been slightly taken out of context (can you imagine???).

Firth has three sons ranging in age from five to eighteen, so he has plenty of experience with children and being a father. To clarify, Firth says kids are just people who haven't lived very long yet, and while he tends to be affectionate toward the younger set, if they're annoying upon meeting then generally they're annoying period, regardless of age--and hence the loathsome business.

I guess Colin is referring to first impressions, and perhaps there is something to that. I've always heard, however, that you're only as good as your last impression. It's interesting that someone with three kids of his own freely admits children can be loathsome, but I'm not so sure I can agree. All kids, just like all people, have bad days, right? That doesn't make them bad kids!

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Comments (63)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)

mamato1 9-05-2008 @ 1:25PM

Eh, I have a toddler but that doesn't make me a kid lover. I have a few children (other than my own) that I do genuinely enjoy, but by and large I don't care for most children or babies.

ame s 9-05-2008 @ 4:26PM

Yep, same here. I had 17 nieces and nephews (on my husband's side) before we had children. After our 2 came along, I verified that I didn't really care for most children in general.

hope 9-05-2008 @ 2:28PM

I think it's funny with the whole first impressions thing. Colin Firth plays Mr. Darcy in my absolute favorite version of Pride and Prejudice in which he has a line, "My good opinion, once lost, is gone forever." It seems like Colin Firth has adapted this line to children. I agree that children do have bad days. If you really think a kid is annoying, you have to look at the parents. I have found that irritating behavior is learned for the most part. I also think kids deserve to be judged on more than one occassion. You can't decide if a kid or any person is someone you will like until you get to know them.

zandurian 9-06-2008 @ 2:29PM

I agree!

Debra Hamel 9-05-2008 @ 1:36PM

Of course some kids are loathsome. That's how you get loathsome adults. There's a girl in my daughter's class who's been loathsome every day I've seen her for the last four plus years. I'm not holding out much hope for improvement.

Nicola 9-05-2008 @ 2:31PM

And I'll bet that she comes from loathsome parents. That's my opinion -- most kids are tolerable deep down, but there are some truly loathsome parents out there and when they're not careful, they turn their kids into little beasties that nobody wants to know.

Debra Hamel 9-05-2008 @ 3:42PM

In this case I actually don't know the parents, so I can't be sure. But you're probably right in most cases, at least.

Rosie 9-08-2008 @ 10:16AM

There are loathsome children. He is not lying. Sometimes even my own kids are difficult to like.

JoAnn 9-05-2008 @ 4:47PM

Ah- how nice to see Colin Firth's handsome face on Parentdish. The ONLY Mr Darcy in my opinion. My girlfriends and I often have gush sessions about just how sexy this man is.

But to the topic at hand- I couldn't agree with him more. And I find his frank opinion and honest very refreshing!

Heather 9-08-2008 @ 9:53PM

I can understand how he feels.
I like some kids but most are obnoxious. This is why I hate birthday parties. I find I like some of the kids that are the same as my kids current ages most.
Right now I have no patience at all for girls who are between 8-13. I don't like the " tude" the snarky remarks, the eye rolling, the Hanna Montanna nonsense, plus more.

zandurian 9-06-2008 @ 2:26PM

I agree with Colin. IMO, kids are little versions of who their parents are.

missimin 9-06-2008 @ 2:45PM

I prefer dogs, they'er never loathsome.

J.C. 9-06-2008 @ 6:31PM

I couldn't agree more on the dogs theory!!

gen 9-06-2008 @ 7:13PM

I have 4 kids and 2 dogs, and I can tell you that my children never run up to someone and sniff their crotch. My kids always say please and thank you, and I always have comments on how well behaved they are.

carolwillner 9-06-2008 @ 4:28PM

Ill behaved children, like ill behaved adults, are loathsome. Parents, for the past 20 or so years, seem to think that others must put up with the loathsome behaviors of their children. All children are ill behaved at times, the difference between a child who is loathsome most of the time, and a child who is occasionally loathsome is the parent's, and society's reaction to the child. As long as we continue the absurd belief that children will be somehow stunted by prompt correction, and strong disapproval of inappropriate behavior, children will continue to be loathsome. Of course, the difficulty arises where ill behaved parents are ignorant of the basic rules of polite society, and so are unable to detemine the loathsomeness of their children. These loathsome parents can be easily identified by their assertions that the awful behavior is "normal" because "after all, kids will be kids." Of Course They Will! It is the parent's job to help them become productive and well behaved adults, not to perpetuate childish behavior ad infinitum.

Jennifer 9-06-2008 @ 4:46PM

Carolwillner: Bravo!
Well said! My only add to what wrote: Be the parent! Your children have peers to be friends with! As a parent you have a responsibility to others around you. If you lose that control. Then leave and take your child/children with you. We are not your baby-sitters!

Erica 9-06-2008 @ 3:30PM

I have to agree with him, I've got my first child on the way, but regardless, I've always had a general disdain for small children. Seriously, a baby starts out as nothing but a parasite, it sucks all it's life out of mommy. After birth it becomes a biohazard, for the first three months it does nothing but sleep, eat, and excreet bodily fluids! Maybe being a mother will change my views, however, I assume I'll simply have more patience.

Demillicent 9-06-2008 @ 7:42PM

With sentiments like that.. perhaps you should have given some thought to just not having children. It give me chills to read this sort of thing from a woman who has not began bonding with the unborn child you're carrying. I hope you do get more patience, otherwise we might be reading about how you smothered your baby.

dAISY 9-06-2008 @ 11:49PM

Why are you even having children if you feel strongly against them? Children need patience, love, and understanding. They will know whether they are wanted or not.

mommabearerin 9-06-2008 @ 3:35PM

I have four kids and I love them dearly.... I am not, however, so fond of other peoples tiny germ factories. Which is what most small children are.....germy, snotty nosed communicable disease factories.