Child

A child (pl.: children) is a human being between the stages of birth and puberty,^[1][2] or between the developmental period of infancy and puberty.^[3] It may also refer to an unborn human being.^[4][5] The legal definition of child generally refers to a minor, otherwise known as a person younger than the age of majority.^[1] Children generally have fewer rights and responsibilities than adults. They are generally classed as unable to make serious decisions.

Child may also describe a relationship with a parent (such as sons and daughters of any age)^[6] or, metaphorically, an authority figure, or signify group membership in a clan, tribe, or religion; it can also signify being strongly affected by a specific time, place, or circumstance, as in "a child of nature" or "a child of the Sixties."^[7]

Biological, legal and social definitions

In the biological sciences, a child is usually defined as a person between birth and puberty,^[1][2] or between the developmental period of infancy and puberty.^[3] Legally, the term child may refer to anyone below the age of majority or some other age limit.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines child as, "A human being below the age of 18 years unless under the law applicable to the child, majority is attained earlier."^[8] This is ratified by 192 of 194 member countries. The term child may also refer to someone below another legally defined age limit unconnected to the age of majority. In Singapore, for example, a child is legally defined as someone under the age of 14 under the "Children and Young Persons Act" whereas the age of majority is 21.^[9][10] In U.S. Immigration Law, a child refers to anyone who is under the age of 21.^[11]

Some English definitions of the word child include the fetus (sometimes termed the unborn).^[12] In many cultures, a child is considered an adult after undergoing a rite of passage, which may or may not correspond to the time of puberty.

Children generally have fewer rights than adults and are classed as unable to make serious decisions, and legally must always be under the care of a responsible adult or child custody, whether their parents divorce or not.

Developmental stages of childhood

Further information: Child development stages and Child development

Early childhood

Early childhood follows the infancy stage and begins with toddlerhood when the child begins speaking or taking steps independently.^[13][14] While toddlerhood ends around age 3 when the child becomes less dependent on parental assistance for basic needs, early childhood continues approximately until the age of 6 or 7. However, according to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, early childhood also includes infancy. At this stage children are learning through observing, experimenting and communicating with others. Adults supervise and support the development process of the child, which then will lead to the child's autonomy. Also during this stage, a strong emotional bond is created between the child and the care providers. The children also start preschool and kindergarten at this age: and hence their social lives.