I have always had danes until I got my cocker 6 years ago and then maggie...they are my other favorite breed and YES, super gentle. My experience is that they are extremely gentle, very loving, and they really want to be your lap dog LOL If you get one as a puppy, they should get along GREAT with your little ones. The only thing you really need to watch out for is the tail
Here is a pic of my Jackson at 7 years old and 214 lbs
Bizzymamabee...yep...that was me