Childhood
Childhood
Childhood (/ˈtʃaɪldhʊd/), from the Old English cildhād, is the stage of life that follows infancy and precedes adolescence. It is generally considered to span from birth to puberty.
Definition
Childhood is a complex term, with meanings that vary across cultures and societies. In many parts of the world, it is synonymous with the period of life when a person is not yet an adult. This period is often characterized by rapid growth and development, learning and play, and the formation of identity and social relationships.
Characteristics
Childhood is characterized by significant growth and development, both physically and mentally. This includes the development of motor skills, cognitive abilities, emotional understanding, and social relationships. It is also a time of exploration and discovery, as children learn about the world around them and their place within it.
Stages
Childhood can be divided into several stages, including:
- Early childhood: This stage, also known as the preschool years, typically spans from ages 2 to 5. It is characterized by rapid physical growth, cognitive development, and the beginning of social and emotional understanding.
- Middle childhood: This stage, also known as the elementary school years, typically spans from ages 6 to 11. It is characterized by continued physical growth, the development of more complex cognitive abilities, and the formation of social relationships.
- Late childhood: This stage, also known as the preteen years, typically spans from ages 12 to 14. It is characterized by the onset of puberty, the development of more complex emotional understanding, and the formation of identity.
Related Terms
- Infancy: The stage of life that precedes childhood.
- Adolescence: The stage of life that follows childhood.
- Developmental psychology: The scientific study of how and why human beings change over the course of their life.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Childhood
- Wikipedia's article - Childhood
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