ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

History of childhood

Hey there kiddo, today we are going to learn about the history of childhood.

A long long time ago, there weren't really such things as childhood like we know it today. Children were often viewed as mini-adults who needed to work and help out their families as soon as they were able.

However, as society began to advance and change, people started to see children in a different way. They understood that children needed time to grow and learn without having to worry about hard work and responsibilities.

The first step towards recognizing childhood as a distinct stage of life was in the 18th century when people started to create schools specifically for children. This allowed children to learn reading, writing, and other important skills that could help them in the future.

Toys and games also began to become more popular during this time. Children could finally have fun without having to worry about work all the time.

As time went on, people began to see childhood as an important phase of life that needed to be protected and nurtured. Laws were put in place to protect children from dangerous working conditions and abuse.

Eventually, the idea of a happy and carefree childhood became so popular that it has become a fundamental part of modern society. Today, parents and caregivers work hard to provide children with a safe and happy environment where they can grow, learn, and play.