[Vocabulary] care for/care about

Hi,

Although there are some men who like children and may have had considerable experience with them, others do not particularly _____ children and spend little time with them.

The answer of this question is "care for" while I chose" care about", why was I wrong?

Thanks a lot

Both are possible, in my opinion.

They are both possible in your example, but "care for" can have a slightly different connotation depending on context.

I care for children for my job = I am a nanny/nurse etc and I have personal contact with those children when I am at work.
I care about children = I think children are important, I give consideration to them. I don't necessarily have children of my own nor do I specifically come into contact with them.

I care for my elderly mother = My mother lives with me, or I visit her regularly, and I look after her and her personal needs
I care about my elderly mother = I am concerned about her, I am concerned about her welfare. I don't necessarily actually have any personal contact with her.

I don't care for coffee = I don't like coffee.
I don't care about coffee = an unlikely statement (possible, but unlikely).

Would you care for a coffee? = Would you like a cup of coffee?
Yes please/No thanks.

"Care for" is the natural expression to me. Meaning they don't like children.

SoothingDave said:

"Care for" is the natural expression to me. Meaning they don't like children.

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I agree that "care for" is most likely in the original sentence. It is possible, though, for the writer to believe that men don't really care about children!