What are the Concepts of Child and Childhood?
Until What Age is a Person a Child?
People are divided into four categories:
1) Women
2) Men
3) Children
4) Youth
These four genders have similarities as well as differences. Among these, a child can be defined as an individual who has not yet reached maturity and adulthood in terms of physical, mental, and social aspects. In other words, a human offspring in the process of growth is called a child. In psychiatry, there is a diagnosis of "infantile" (=childlike). This diagnosis means that an adult exhibits childlike, immature behaviors. When an adult is told, "What you're doing is childish" or "Are you a child?", the meaning conveyed is clear. It is being implied that the person is engaging in attitudes and behaviors inappropriate for adulthood. Based on this expression, the possibility that an adult's intelligence level remains at a child's level cannot be ignored. For example, a child wetting their pants is a different event from an adult wetting their pants. The definition of a child should always be remembered, and patience, knowledge, and devotion should be exercised when we have expectations from them. Just as grapes need to ripen to produce raisin extract, otherwise the raisin will be bitter and inedible. A child is similar in a way. We cannot expect mature behavior. It should not be forgotten that an individual who has not reached maturity and adulthood, and has not passed through their growth stages, is called a child.
The Concept of Childhood
A person is a child until the age of 0-12. The ages of 12-18 are the period of adolescent adulthood. After the age of 18, the young adult period begins. These age limits are not absolute, of course. They can vary and be flexible from person to person. For example, children raised in Mediterranean cultures are active, more independent children who frequently engage in social activities. These factors lead to the child entering puberty early. There is a possibility of entering puberty from the age of 10 and a half. In addition, the factors that cause childhood to last longer, i.e., late puberty, are as follows: mountainous regions, cold climate, passive and quiet social environment, being left alone, being deprived of freedom, happy upbringing, and excessive parental attention. If these conditions exist, childhood extends. It can extend to 12 years or slightly beyond. However, from the age of 13 onwards, the teenage period begins. This is called "teenager", which covers the ages of 13-19.
