A child is a human being in the developmental period of infancy and puberty or between birth and the local age of majority (there are also exceptions). In some cultures, children undergo rites of passage to become adults. In legal terms, a child is classed as having fewer rights and responsibilities than adults, and is generally considered to be incapable of making serious decisions.

Throughout their lives, children develop through interactions with parents, teachers and peers. These interactions help shape their identities, beliefs and values. The development of a child is also guided by the culture and context in which they live.

As they grow, children develop a sense of responsibility and empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand and share another person’s feelings. It is an important component of emotional development, and helps children develop good social skills. Children who are able to empathize with others are better able to resolve conflict and show compassion for those who have been hurt or disappointed. For example, a 2-year-old may try to comfort a crying playmate by offering her own pacifier or blanket. Often, though, this is not enough to comfort the other child. Children who can empathize tend to be more likely to avoid hurting other people and want to build close relationships with their friends.

Most children’s stories have a moral or theme, which is a positive message that can be drawn from the story. These messages can be very simple, such as beauty is in the eye of the beholder or doing unto others as you would like them to do to you, or they can be more complex and challenging, such as learning from mistakes or accepting change.

Children need to know that they belong and have a value in the world. A sense of belonging is particularly important to a developing child, and can help them feel secure and confident. In addition, a child needs to have a good understanding of his or her uniqueness, in order to develop self-love and a strong sense of identity.

When interacting with a child, it is best to enter the world of the child, physically crouching down to their level and joining them in their activities. This will help to build a positive relationship, and allows the adult to learn about what interests the child and what sort of activities the child likes. It is also helpful to imitate the children’s activities, such as pretending to zoom a rock around like a car, or mimicking a favourite cartoon character.

Many international agencies, such as UNICEF and Save the Children, focus on providing children with a range of vital services, including education, healthcare, nutrition and shelter. Millions of children, however, are currently being displaced by armed conflict, and face an increased risk of being subjected to grave violations. The widespread ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child has changed how the world views children and what is required to ensure their protection.