The vivacity of children is always charming, because it is always sincere. A grave child is a rose without fragrance. – Anonymous, Aphorisms; or, A Glance at Human Nature, in Original Maxims, 1820

There is not so much comfort in having children as there is sorrow in parting with them. – Proverb

Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity. – Kay Redfield Jamison

The prime purpose of being four is to enjoy being four — of secondary importance is to prepare for being five. – Jim Trelease, The Read-Aloud Handbook, 1985