1. CHILDHOOD: PAST & PRESENT

2. Prior to the 20th century, few people in Western civilization felt there was anything unusual or important about the early years of life. Most adults were almost totally unaware of the special needs of children.

3. In North America people believed children differed from adults only in size, experience, and abilities. Childhood in the past was therefore quite different from today.

4. Some of these differences have to do with changing attitudes towards children while others are the result of advances in technology and knowledge.

5. Some of the differences can be seen in:
Work
Health
Education
Dress
Love
Play

6. WORK THEN Expected to work hard at an early age; mostly in
farms and factories
NOW
Today the job of children is to grow, learn and play; child laws put in place to protect
Children’s jobs mainly include helping around household chores

7. HEALTH THEN Many children died of disease NOW
Today many diseases are controlled through
medical advances, personal hygiene, and public health regulations
Better nutrition has helped children grow and thrive; however some still don’t have enough food where others eat too many high-fat, high-sugar foods
Lack of regular exercise is increasingly common, therefore resulting in childhood obesity

8. EDUCATION THEN Public education did not become common until the 1800’s
Children of different ages and abilities were in same classroom
NOW
Technology has enhanced learning options
Schools work to meet the special needs of individual students

9. DRESS THEN Clothed like small adults until 17th century
Boys and girls wore petticoats, skirts, long curls until age 4 or 5
NOW
Stereotyping by sex in this century; pink and blue, dresses and pants
Today more practical, comfortable, provides freedom of movement

10. LOVE One thing that hasn’t changed is children’s need for love
Most parents and caregivers work hard to build a good life for children and to raise them as moral or ethical people who are responsible and independent

11. PLAY Has always been important to children Play is how children learn
In the past there were fewer toys and they were simple – homemade by hand
Video and computer games first developed in 70’s
Today variety of toys seems endless-many are electronic and do not require the use of imagination