Whether they’re clinging to mom’s leg or screaming in a tantrum, children often make a mess of things. But they’re also curious, creative and capable. Kids are a complex and fascinating group, and they’re always in motion. Their unique development and experiences shape the world they live in. So when you write for them, it’s important to take their interests into account.

It’s also important to think about what it means to be a child. Depending on the culture and context, the term can mean different things. For example, some cultures define a child as someone who has not reached legal adulthood; in these cases, a person can be considered a “child” even when they’re 20 or 30 years old. Other cultures use the term more broadly, referring to all young people regardless of their age or gender.

What’s more, some writers argue that the word “child” is impossible to define in a definitive way. This is true, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that the concept of a child is not real or cannot be talked about. Instead, this argument suggests that the concept of a child is ‘capacious’ (it takes on different meanings in different times and cultures), ‘unstable’ and ‘fuzzy’ at its edges (its definition is never completely fixed and exact).

When writing for kids, you must consider these issues when crafting your article. For example, if you’re covering a global event, try to include local stories to help readers connect with the issue and understand its implications for them and their community. Similarly, if you’re writing about a topic that might upset or disturb some of your readers, be sure to signpost resources they can turn to for support.

It’s also important for kids to be able to identify with the characters in your articles. They want to see themselves in the situations you describe, and they’re compelled by images. This is why it’s important to incorporate high-quality graphics whenever possible. Kids are also a lot more sophisticated these days, so they’re not interested in reading the same tired, old stuff you may have read during your own formative years. For this reason, it’s best to research your topics and find a fresh angle before you start writing.

Borrow a friend’s kids, teach a Sunday school class or coach a sports team to get a sense of what it’s like to be a kid in your target audience. This will give you a better idea of the types of topics they’ll be receptive to and which ones might fall flat. For instance, while your grandparents may have cherished the idea of camping in the woods, many current teens are more likely to enjoy spending time outdoors with their friends at a concert or amusement park. So, instead of writing about a family vacation in the mountains, why not focus on a day trip to the beach or nearby park?