The constant liability to divorce would naturally diminish her interest in her children, for after separation she had no part or lot in them.

And this no doubt is one reason why at this particular period we hear so little of the life of children.

There is indeed no reason to suppose that they themselves were unhappy; they had plenty of games, which were so familiar that the poets often allude to them--hoops, tops, dolls, blind man's buff, and the favourite games of "nuts" and "king."[271] But the real question is not whether they could enjoy their young life, but whether they were learning to use their bodies and minds to good purpose.
When a boy was about seven years old, the question would arise in most families whether he should remain at home or go to an elementary school.[272] No doubt it was usually decided by the means at the command of the parents.

A wealthy father might see his son through his whole education at home by providing a tutor (paedagogus), and more advanced teachers as they were needed.

Cato indeed, as we have seen, found time to do much of the work himself, but he also had a slave who taught his own and other children.