• Babies
• Building a Family
• Children
• General Parenting
• Newborns
• Teenagers
• Toddlers
• Pregnancy

When does childhood begin?

Biological:

* Birth: This is the most obvious starting point, but doesn't fully capture childhood's developmental aspects.

* Puberty: Marks the onset of physical maturation, but varies widely in timing and doesn't encompass all aspects of childhood.

Social:

* Legal age of majority: This varies by country, but often marks when individuals gain full legal rights and responsibilities.

* Cultural norms: Different cultures have different views on when children transition into adulthood.

Developmental:

* Cognitive milestones: This includes language development, abstract thinking, and moral reasoning, which evolve throughout childhood.

* Emotional and social development: This encompasses developing self-awareness, empathy, and relationships.

Therefore, it's more accurate to view childhood as a period of significant developmental change, rather than a specific age.

Here's a more nuanced understanding:

* Early childhood: Often considered ages 0-6, characterized by rapid physical, cognitive, and language development.

* Middle childhood: Around ages 6-12, marked by increased social skills, academic learning, and moral reasoning.

* Late childhood/pre-adolescence: Ages 10-13, bridging towards adolescence with physical and emotional changes.

Ultimately, the "beginning" of childhood depends on the specific context and perspective.