Before the beginning of the twentieth century, few people in Western civilization believed that there was anything unusual or important about the early years of life. During the Middle Ages and the centuries that followed, European adults were almost totally unaware of the special needs of children. They did not recognize the importance of providing children with sunshine, wholesome food, protection, loving care, and a variety of learning experiences.

Artworks created in these earlier centuries reflect society's attitude toward children. In paintings and statues, children appeared as miniature adults. They had the proportions, expressions, and clothing of grown-ups.

During the colonial period in America, people still believed that children differed from adults only in size, experience, and abilities. Children were dressed, fed, and doctored just as adults were.

These ideas persisted into the nineteenth century. An example is Louisa May Alcott's famous novel, Little Women. The book's central character, Jo, is constantly in trouble because she acts like the exuberant child she is rather than the little lady that girls of her time were expected to be.

Some of the differences between childhood in the past and childhood in the present are the result of changing attitudes toward children. Others are the result of advances in technology.

Work

In the past, children were expected to work hard at an early age. In American pioneer families, children were expected to take care of many farming and household tasks. During the Industrial Revolution, many children worked as laborers in factories.

Today, most children in our society are not thrown into the world of adult work so abruptly. The "job" of young children is simply to grow, learn, and play. Children assume responsibility gradually by helping with household tasks and, later, by taking part-time jobs.

Dress

Until the seventeenth century, children were dressed as small adults. Around that time, special clothing styles began to develop for children, through these styles did not encourage activity and play. Even early in the twentieth century, all children wore dresses for the first years of life.

Preschool boys and girls were dressed alike until the early part of the twentieth century. Then styles bagan to change, and sex differences were reinforced by the style and color of clothes wore from infancy on.

Today, young children now usually wear clothing that is suitable in both style and color for either boys or girls. Modern children wear practical, washable, lightweight garments designed to provide freedom of movement and maximum comfort.