It's true that so many children end up with shitty childhoods because of the adults around them, but the actual nature of children is very pure and authentic. We aren't born assholes or racists or sexist or giving a rat's ass about any religion. We are born free. It's only from the influence of broken adults that children lose their freedom. Last night I watched my 4 yo dance at a Belize Independence Day festival. She could give two shits what anyone thinks. Older kids and even adults were laughing at her wild dancing, but she's the one who is free.
Adults do seek out that affirmation and parental substitute, especially if they were shamed for being who they are as a child. With decent adults, childhood is beyond romantic. All us grown ups could stand to shut up and listen to what unfettered freedom really sounds like.