Canadian Laws on Family and Childhood

A household group including children not yet married/having a partner, who live in that home, regardless of birth, adoption, marriage or common-law relations

Sexual activity involving a person under 16 years old is illegal (with limited exceptions for close-in-age relationships)

Involves depictions of individuals under 18 engaged in explicit sexual activity

Failing to provide basic needs (food, shelter, clothing) to a child under 16 is a criminal offense.

Medieval children were seen as miniature adults, lacking a distinct concept of childhood.

The development of the understanding that children require unique care, nurture, and education, mostly seen first in the upper classes over centuries

Medieval children experienced more freedom and less parental control compared to later periods.

Shift from perceiving children as mini-adults to recognizing them as individuals needing special care and guidance, mostly amongst wealthy classes.

A debate about the relative importance of inherited traits (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) in shaping a child's development.

Psychological traits have evolved over time, seen as adaptations to human social and environmental needs.

Research method comparing identical and fraternal twins to find genetic influences on behavioral differences.

Research suggesting a substantial genetic contribution to variations in academic performance.

Twins sharing 100% of their genes, ideal for studying genetic effects on behavior.

Reduced birth rates in some medieval societies to dedicate more resources to individual children.

Locke believed children are born as blank slates (tabula rasa) and experience shapes their minds. Parents should not resort to physical punishment.

A debate about the relative importance of a person's inborn characteristics and their environment in influencing who they are.

Children were seen as potentially slowing the group down and were less valued, with lower birth rates as a potential consequence, and prolonged breastfeeding.

Children were valued as essential workers in agricultural societies, leading to higher birth rates.

Locke categorized childhood development into infancy, childhood, boyhood/preadolescence, adolescence, and manhood (or adulthood).

Applying Darwin's theory of natural selection to human behavior; some social theorists in the past thought certain traits or behaviors were better suited for some environments, while others were not.

Some scholars challenged Aries's views on the development of the concept of childhood, arguing that some medieval societies did acknowledge childhood in specific ways or that Aries incorrectly interpreted historical evidence.

Locke explained that parents have authority and responsibility over their children, but he argued that this authority was to guide and not to control harshly.

The idea that a child is born with a blank mind and learns and develops primarily through experience and interaction.

Genetics play a role in a child's school performance, however factors like social relationships, anxiety, and depression are also affected by nature and shared experiences.

Children progress through predictable stages of personality development, influenced by innate drives (id) and interactions with others.

Human development is shaped by learned associations and observable behaviors. Emphasizes environment over innate drives.

Learning occurs through observation and modeling; a reciprocal interaction between child and environment.

The connections between different microsystems (e.g., home and school).

Social systems indirectly influencing a child's development (e.g., parents' workplace).

Cultural and social contexts that affect all other developmental systems.

Early childhood learning of societal norms and values.

Later life learning of societal norms and values.

International agreement with standards for child rights (dignity, welfare, etc.)

Knowledge, skills, values, and tastes acquired from family and environment, which influence success in school.

The way existing social inequality is perpetuated through institutions like education.

The dominant and idealized version of masculinity that influences school environments.

The ability to interact with others effectively, including communication, negotiation, and maintaining relationships.

Negative attitudes and beliefs towards people who are different from one's own group.

Strategies to reduce and stop bullying, involving addressing the problem early and using developmentally appropriate approaches.

Programs and services that provide education and care for children under the age of six to support their development and wellbeing.

Care that focuses on promoting a child's overall development, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth.

Care that emphasizes responsiveness, attentiveness, competence, and responsibility in caring for children.

The expenses associated with providing care for children, which can be a significant burden for families.

The influence of neoliberal policies on childcare, emphasizing market-based solutions and reduced government involvement.

A federal program providing a monthly payment to families with children under six, aimed at supporting childcare costs.

A system offering affordable, universal, and regulated childcare for children under the age of 12, with significant government investment.

A system relying more on market forces than extensive government social programs, often resulting in higher childcare costs and less accessibility.

Essential elements for effective early childhood education and care, including adequate funding, qualified staff, and developmentally appropriate practices.

Setting standards for childcare to ensure high-quality care and development for children.

Guidelines for what children should learn at different ages in childcare.

Research suggests that regulated childcare generally has positive effects on intellectual development.

Play is considered essential in childcare, promoting learning and enjoyment for children.

Professionals who work with young children in preschool and kindergarten settings.

The average hourly wage for ECE professionals is $17.47.

In the late 19th century, Canada faced population loss due to emigration to the United States.

The Canadian government offered incentives like freedom of religion and travel assistance to attract immigrants.

Since 1967, immigration to Canada is based on a points system rewarding qualifications like education and language proficiency.

Newcomer children are more likely to live in lower-income families compared to Canadian-born children.

The Indian Act regulates many aspects of Indigenous peoples' lives, impacting their self-governance.

Indigenous children experience higher rates of health issues like infant mortality and respiratory problems compared to non-Indigenous children.

A period in the 1960s when Indigenous children were removed from their communities and placed in state care.

Ensuring that Indigenous children receive essential services regardless of jurisdictional disputes.

Indigenous children are overrepresented in the child welfare system, often due to factors like poverty and inequitable resources.