The word infancy derives from the Latin word infans, which means “mute, unable to speak, who does not speak.” It is the period of human life between birth and adolescence or the beginning of puberty.
The concept of childhood, as well as the importance that has been given to children, has not always been the same but has evolved over the centuries. In the last 40 or 50 years, attention has been paid to this period of life and establishing it as a crucial moment in the physical, intellectual, social and emotional development of every human being.
When people accepted the importance of childhood, they began to take responsibility for the children’s quality of life; your health, physical well-being and understanding the need to take care of your minds. Children require special attention during those years; childhood is fundamentally different from adulthood; it needs to be understood and respected as such.
The public recognition of that need has created many programs for children like development in their education and even the establishment of the Rights of the Child of the United Nations in 1989.
The period of life from birth to 14 years is often accepted as childhood.
Generally, this period of life is divided into early childhood, which is the stage that goes from birth to 6 years; and in second childhood, which refers to the stage between 6 and 12 years approximately.
During childhood, very noticeable physical changes occur, the body of the infant grows rapidly. In the first years, he learns to crawl, walk and coordinate movements. Later, he learns to speak until he acquires a complete vocabulary and language. It also provides a social and emotional development that will depend on the surrounding environment, is related to children of their age and thus forms new friendships, among others.
By: Sanjay