A child is a human being who is undergoing the process of physical, mental and social development from infancy to puberty. Generally, children are classed as being unable to make serious decisions on their own and are therefore dependent upon adults for their care and protection. Children have different rights from adults and their status is determined by a variety of laws and international agreements.

Children learn best when they see sharing behavior modeled for them. They tend to view the world from their own perspective, so helping them understand that others have feelings like they do can encourage empathy and kindness in them.

In addition, children will learn from the attitudes and beliefs of their parents and the way that they live their lives. It is important for parents and other caregivers to share a similar approach to their children’s upbringing so that there are consistent boundaries for them to follow, especially in relation to their behavior and attitude towards people. Children are naturally inquisitive, so they will observe everything that goes on around them and will want to replicate what they see their parents doing. This is why it is so important to set limits and to be firm with them – although they may sometimes test the boundaries, most will feel more secure if they know that the rules are not going to change from one day to the next.

For example, a young child might be told to put their toys away before dinner but it is not uncommon for them to forget at times. This is a good opportunity to reinforce the rule by reminding them before dinner and praising them when they put their toys away on their own. This will help them learn to remember and is more effective than simply punishing them when they forget a rule.

The term “child” is used widely across different cultures and eras, with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child defining it as any person under the age of 18, unless a country’s law recognises an earlier age of majority. This seminar explores how different definitions of childhood and the child have shaped policies, research and practice. It also reflects on the need to shift the paradigm from high-minded romantic notions of childhood, such as that of the middle classes in England during the 18th century, to a more holistic and inclusive view that is grounded in the rights and needs of individual children. This seminar is free to attend and no booking is required. However, to secure your place, please register below.