Children are certain cares, but very uncertain comforts.

Caring for children brings responsibilities and worries that a parent can expect. Whether children will also provide reassurance or consolation is less predictable.

The proverb cautions against treating parenthood as a promise of future comfort. It contrasts the dependable demands of raising children with the uncertain emotional rewards.

Use it when discussing expectations of parenthood, especially the assumption that children will later repay a parent's care with comfort. It expresses caution rather than a claim that children cannot bring joy.