1. Infancy and Early Childhood (Birth to 5 years):
- Infants and toddlers would spend most of their time in the care of their mothers or other caregivers, receiving basic nurturing and protection.
- They might be breastfed for several years and gradually introduced to solid foods as they grew older.
- Play was an essential part of early childhood, and children would engage in age-appropriate games, toys, and activities to stimulate their development.
2. Childhood (6 to 12 years):
- Children from well-to-do families often received formal education at home or attended schools. They might learn subjects like reading, writing, arithmetic, religion, history, and geography.
- Children from lower-class families might work alongside their parents in agriculture, trade, or other manual labor.
- Play continued to be crucial for physical, mental, and social development, and children would engage in various outdoor games and activities.
3. Adolescence (13 to 18 years):
- Adolescents might participate in more specialized education or training, depending on their social status. Boys from wealthy families might be groomed for professions like law or medicine, while girls might learn household management and etiquette.
- Some adolescents from poorer backgrounds might become apprentices in different trades or crafts to learn skills for future employment.
- They would also gradually take on more adult responsibilities and help their families in various ways.
4. Regional and Cultural Variations:
- Children's experiences varied significantly across different regions and cultures. In rural areas, children might spend more time doing agricultural work, while in cities, they might assist their parents in trade or other urban activities.
- Cultural traditions, beliefs, and values also influenced children's upbringing and the roles they played within their communities.
It's crucial to note that this overview is a general representation, as the lives of children in 1700 were diverse and complex, influenced by numerous factors such as economic status, gender, societal expectations, and local customs.