What did children do in the past?

Answer 1

Children used to read books, play games (jacks, Jump rope, hopscotch, patty Cake, string games (cat's cradle), play "army" or "Cowboys and Indians", "Cops and Robbers", Hide and Seek, play with toys (Tops, Marbles, stick ball, kick the can, kick ball, fly kites, dolls, hoop and stick, hula-hoop, silly putty, bee or fly on a thread ); go fishing, go hunting, raise pets, run, make pottery, paint, whittle, weave baskets, do embroidery, sew clothes, target practice, chemistry, churn butter, wash clothes, play doctor, sing, pull weeds, paint fences, throw rocks, make sling shots, ride bikes. ride horses, walk, talk, swim, play a musical instrument, whistle, make an acorn top whistle, make a blade of grass squawker and a lot more besides.

Yes, this is all quite true but they were children's games. Jobs (occupations) depended on your class and, of all things, your size. Lower class children would often be employed in occupantions where adults were just too large. Chinmey sweeps used small chidren to climb inside the chimney to free obstructions (often whilst a fire was still in the hearth). Chidrwen were also used as professional mourners (to evoke sympathyP particularly when the deceased was a child. Min works were another favourite for the small workings adults could not reach. Before steam power, children often walked on large stepped wheels to power certain machinery. In rural areas, children worked on the family farm (if landed gentry) or on the Nobleman's farm if they belonged to the 'tenant' class. Of course the criminal element often employed children to get into house through small windows to let the cracksman in. All of this happened in the civilized world up into the first half of the 20th century and still happens in Third World countries. In more recent times, laws have been introduced in First World countries to limit the type and hours of a minors occupations.

Answer 2

Children in the past were often expected to help their families with chores, such as farming or household tasks. They also spent time playing outside with friends and siblings, engaging in activities like hide and seek, tag, and storytelling. Education was not as widespread, so some children started working at a young age.