Spaniels are great. I have had them my whole life. Mainly cockers.
I would consider a few things. They are, generally, good with kids. But unless you get the right balance of physical and mental exercise (just obedience training is not enough) they, generally, form bad habits. Such as resources guarding. They often pick a person, usually who is around most and feeds and Interacts with them most and can resource guard them. They can result in being aggressive to kids, if they decide you or dh are their person. They are velcro dogs.
They do need exercise. But it's a myth that they need hours and hours of physical exercise. You can walk one for 4 hours a day, but if you aren't working their brains you just get a fit dog who is bored and naughty at home. Too much brain exercise and they get overtired and naughty. It's a fine line.
Also, they are known as cockerdiles. Generally, their puppy biting is quite full on. Consistency and patience is required and get take weeks/months to resolve. That's often a problem in houses with kids.
Show types are, generally, more chilled. But it's certainly not a given. They are a bit fluffier. But both need regular grooming. Both can sued loads or some or none. It's hard to call.
Also size. As cocker and springers were originally one breed and lines were often crossed you rarely purely one or the other, you could get a dog whose genes throwback and it grows to the size of a springer. They vary massively.
On the flip side. I adore them. Hard work but so worth it. I absolutely love then. Despite what I have written here. They are a big commitment but worth or of you are able to meet their needs