For many years, I was on the fence about having children.
I remember avoiding the topic with friends and family—maybe I wasn’t ready to admit I wanted them, or perhaps I was scared of what it would entail.
Through my counseling work, I’ve realized I’m not the only one. People will often show certain hints they’re interested in starting a family, even if they aren’t ready to talk about it openly.
Here at Blog Herald, I want to share a few signs to look out for.
No pressure—just a gentle spotlight on those little signals you might be brushing aside.
01 You find yourself lingering over baby photos
Scrolling through social media, you see a friend’s newborn. Instead of the usual quick “like” and move on, you pause. You look carefully at the tiny fingers, the cute onesie, and maybe even read the caption twice.
If you’re noticing that baby pictures grab your attention and spark warm, fuzzy feelings more than they used to, it might be a clue.
I once worked with a client who was convinced she had no interest in motherhood. But when she spoke about her niece and all the adorable snapshots she’d taken of her, her eyes lit up.
She hadn’t noticed how she’d linger on baby photos, cooing and smiling without meaning to. There’s something about that magnetic pull that can be revealing.
The thing is that understanding the subtleties of our emotions offers insight into our deeper desires. Sometimes, the pull is a sign we’re ready to explore those feelings further.
02 You imagine a future that involves guiding a little one
Ever catch yourself daydreaming about teaching a child how to ride a bike or read their first book?
Maybe you find yourself thinking, “I’d definitely encourage them to explore music,” or “I’d sign them up for that summer camp I used to love.”
These moments don’t have to be detailed fantasies—but they’re enough for you to realize something’s bubbling up inside you.
A friend of mine used to be adamant that she wasn’t “the mom type.”
Yet she’d talk endlessly about how she’d decorate a nursery or how she’d introduce her kids to traveling once they were old enough.
She never saw those fantasies as a sign of wanting children — she thought she was just being nostalgic for her own childhood.
In reality, these thoughts reflected a genuine readiness to nurture and guide.
Brene Brown once said, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change.”
Being open to these gentle visions of parenting might be the vulnerability that lets us see a new direction in our lives.
03 You catch yourself “practicing” parenting in small ways
Some people start adopting an almost parental role with their friends or co-workers.
It could be little gestures: offering extra support, giving advice that feels nurturing, or feeling the urge to protect those around you more than usual.
If you find that you’re sliding into caretaker mode—whether it’s cooking meals for a sick friend or checking on someone’s emotional well-being in a very hands-on way—this might be a subtle sign.
Of course, being helpful and supportive doesn’t automatically mean you want kids. But I’ve noticed that those who yearn to be parents often show it through these behaviors, almost like they’re unconsciously “trying it on for size.”
Freud loved the idea that when individuals have unacknowledged desires, they might channel them into parallel forms of behavior. And I believe that actually works.
It’s worth asking yourself: “Am I practicing for something bigger here?”
04 You sense there’s “something missing,” even if your life is good
There was a time when I was juggling a busy counseling schedule, enjoying yoga, and traveling with my husband.
Life was fulfilling, and yet, in quiet moments, I had this lingering feeling that another piece of the puzzle was out there.
I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I felt drawn toward something that involved a deeper emotional investment.
One of my clients described it perfectly: “I have great friends, a career I love, and supportive family, yet I keep feeling this gap—like I’m waiting for something to give my life an entirely new dimension.”
Sometimes, that difference could be raising a child and shaping a new generation. If you feel a phantom tug, that intangible pull, it might be worth reflecting on whether you’re longing for the role of parenthood.
05 You start making practical plans without even realizing it
This one can sneak up on you.
Maybe you’re paying more attention to health insurance coverage.
Or you find yourself looking at houses in neighborhoods with good schools, even though you once swore you’d stay in the hustle of city life.
Or you’re reading an article about college savings plans and think, “That’s good to know—just in case.”
If you’ve read any of Sheryl Sandberg’s work, you might recall her emphasis on planning ahead in relationships and careers.
She has said, “The most important career choice you’ll make is who you marry,” but I’d add that it also applies to how you envision your long-term family plans. Subconsciously, you might be aligning your life to make room for a possible child.
It doesn’t mean you have to commit right now, but noticing these practical considerations can give you insight into where your mind and heart might be heading.
06 Friends or family have started dropping subtle hints—and you’re not annoyed
You know that situation: your relatives or close friends keep asking, “So, when are you going to have a baby?”
Usually, that’s a surefire way to send someone into frustration or a polite shrug.
But if you notice you’re not shutting it down as quickly as before, or maybe you’re even asking them about their own experiences as parents, it’s a sign your perspective might be shifting.
I recently chatted with a dear friend who used to bristle at any mention of kids.
Now, she’s more open to discussing the realities of parenthood, asking questions about bedtime routines, schooling, or how it changes relationships.
She told me, “I’ve come to realize that the questions don’t bother me like they used to. I’m actually curious now.”
Sometimes, others see the shift in you before you recognize it yourself. Tony Robbins has noted, “Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.”
If these hints no longer ruffle your feathers, you might be more open to a new chapter than you think.
07 You feel a strong emotional pull toward children in your life
Looking back, this one probably deserved a higher spot on the list.
Anyway… there’s something about being around the kids of siblings, friends, or neighbors that tugs at you in a different way now.
Maybe you notice their giggles more, their quirky questions, the wonder in their eyes. You find yourself wanting to spend a bit more time with them, asking about their day, or learning about the silly games they play.
I’ve seen this shift happen in real time during family gatherings.
People who once avoided the chaos of the kids’ table suddenly pull up a chair and start asking the little ones about their favorite cartoons. It doesn’t mean you’re signing up to babysit every weekend, but feeling drawn to them can be a sign.
As Susan Cain, author of “Quiet,” might say, we often connect on deeper levels once we honor the quieter signals of our hearts.
Final thoughts
Acknowledging a desire to have children can be a big step.
It’s understandable to tiptoe around the topic, especially if you’re unsure about the timing, your finances, or how it could reshape your relationships.
But if you catch yourself consistently thinking about it—whether through daydreaming, practical preparations, or an emotional longing—your deeper self might be telling you you’re more ready than you realized.
This doesn’t mean you have to decide right this minute. Life decisions often flourish best when we’ve taken time to reflect, communicate with loved ones, and gather the information we need.
Still, noticing these seven telltale signs can give you clarity on where your heart is leading you.
Here at Blog Herald, I’ve learned that self-awareness is one of the most powerful catalysts for personal growth. There’s strength in admitting what you want, even if you’re not quite ready to step into it.
If these signs resonate, give yourself space to explore the possibility in an honest way. Talk to trusted friends who’ve been through the parenting journey.
Read up on the emotional, financial, and practical aspects that come with raising a child.
Above all, be kind to yourself in the process.
We’re all allowed to change our minds, discover new passions, and realize that our once-firm stance might be evolving.
