Quotation by Sheila B. Kamerman

No society can survive without children. The rhetoric that holds children to be our greatest national resource is true, but the reality is that we do little to demonstrate any conviction of its truth. Becoming a parent and being a "good," concerned, and attentive parent may be the most significant contribution any adult can make to our society—and ultimately to the gross national product and to the future of the society.... Surely, it is time to acknowledge the contribution parents make in bearing, caring for, and rearing future generations of citizens, workers, and parents—even if they share personally in the rewards of having children. Surely, parenting is a life cycle stage warranting support at its inception and as an ongoing process by a society that needs and wants children.