IME the parental instincts associated with children do not simulate well, at least in men (can’t speak for women). I did not like children at all, and thinking

IME the parental instincts associated with children do not simulate well, at least in men (can’t speak for women). I did not like children at all, and thinking about children did not trigger any instinctive feelings. Once I had my own then the instincts turned on. The human system is quite good at producing chemical rewards for certain behaviors.