Don't hurry. Don't worry. Be sure to stop and smell the flowers. This simple homily encapsulates the nature of childhood as it should be in an ideal world.
I observed a harassed parent attempting to speed up the progress of her daughter in a town centre park. 'Come on, we haven't got time to smell the flowers today.' This was a mum who had clearly taught her child that flowers were to be enjoyed and that they did, indeed, have a smell.
We have developed an interesting view of childhood and what is and is not appropriate for our children's needs. No wonder there are silly, meaningless discussions in the popular press about working mothers, nursery provision and the 'right kind' of childcare. We have deskilled a whole generation of parents, so that the birth of new babies brings worry and anxiety, often with insufficient joy to counteract the natural highs and lows of bringing up children.
Peer pressure and pester power suggest the good parent will buy the right kind of toys. No wonder the parent becomes bored with the same songs, games or activities repeated ad infinitum and can't wait to get back to work and leave daycare to the professionals.
The haunting black-and-white pictures of urban children growing up in the 1930s often show children playing outside their homes using whatever was available - mud, a wall, an old pram. Parents were usually not too far away, getting on with their household chores or chatting to neighbours living close by.
Reality was harsh, with high infant mortality rates, low life expectancy, and women's role in the world leaving them poorly educated with fewer opportunities. Men's role in childrearing was limited.
Let's try a little less criticism of modern parenting. How about some praise when things go well? Recognition of the dilemmas in bringing up a child in the 21st century? Many children are looked after by their dads or grandparents. How are they catered for by toddler groups, schools and playgroups?
In times of greater understanding of children and their learning needs, let's develop a shared agenda for celebrating childhood. A nation of adults who love children for their uncluttered view of the world and who take time to let them stop and smell the flowers.
Pat Wills is headteacher at Claremont Community Primary School and Centre of Excellence, Blackpool