A child is a human being who is still in the process of growing and maturing. The word comes from the Old English cild, which means “child, infant.” Children are typically younger than adults and can be male or female. They are also generally considered to be dependent on their parents and other caregivers for financial and social support. Because of this, a child is typically given fewer rights and responsibilities than adults.

The concept of a child is complicated, and many different perspectives exist on the topic. Some people argue that a child is anything below the age of majority, while others believe that the definition should be more restrictive and include only those who have not yet attained full adulthood. A few countries even consider children to be anyone below the age of eight years. The term is also a controversial one in religious circles, as it is commonly used to refer to a person who has not yet attained the age of marriage.

One of the most important things that parents can do to help their children is set a good example and provide them with guidance and encouragement. In addition, it is important to create a strong routine and stick to it. This will help children feel secure and will make it easier to establish discipline. It is also important to make sure that all those who look after children, such as childminders and nursery workers, follow a similar approach. This will help ensure that the children are getting consistent guidance and will be able to learn better.

Every child has the right to live and be looked after properly. This includes the right to a safe home, food, education and medical care. It is important that governments do everything they can to ensure that children are protected during war and conflict. They should also do all they can to protect children from sexual abuse and other forms of exploitation. It is essential that all children are treated equally, regardless of their sex, religion or other beliefs, ethnicity, disability, wealth or family background.

Often, it is the small things that can make a big difference in a child’s life. For instance, a simple act of kindness can help to improve a child’s self-esteem. Another great way to build a strong relationship with children is to join them in their play. This will allow you to see what they are passionate about and connect with them on a level that they understand. Taking the time to physically crouch down and be at their eye level will help you to do this.

It is important to remember that just because something is difficult to define or even impossible to define precisely, it does not mean that it does not exist. In some cases, it may be necessary to accept that a concept is complex and capacious, with ‘fuzzy edges’ and is not always clearly defined. This is especially true for concepts such as childhood and children’s literature.