lenfance

L'enfance, or childhood, is the period of human development from birth to the onset of adolescence. The standard spelling in French is l'enfance, with an apostrophe; lenfance without is usually a misspelling. The concept is used across languages to describe the early years when physical growth, learning, and socialization lay the foundations for later life. The exact age range assigned to childhood varies by culture and context, but it commonly extends from birth to roughly 12 to 18 years old.

Development during childhood occurs across several domains: physical growth and motor skills; cognitive development, including language and thinking; and social-emotional growth, such as attachment, empathy, and self-regulation. Early childhood (about 0–5) emphasizes rapid physical and sensory development and foundational learning, while middle childhood (roughly 6–11) features formal schooling, increasing independence, and more complex reasoning.

Rights and protections: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child defines a child as anyone under 18, and many countries have laws governing education, health care, and protection from exploitation. Education systems usually provide compulsory schooling during parts of this period, and child-protection measures seek to safeguard children from abuse and neglect while promoting welfare.

History and culture: The modern concept of childhood has evolved over centuries. In some societies it is treated as a distinct, protected phase, while in others children take on responsibilities earlier. Across literature and the arts, childhood is depicted in diverse ways, from innocence and play to hardship and resilience.