Question 1: Define the term 'childhood' in your own words and explain why it is considered a distinct stage of life.

Answer: Childhood is the period in a person's life from birth until adolescence, characterized by learning, development, and dependency on adults. It is considered a distinct stage because children have unique needs, rights, and experiences different from those of adults.

Question 2: Describe two ways family roles can influence a child's development.

Answer: Family roles can influence a child's development by shaping their behaviour and attitudes; for example, a parent who encourages education can foster a love for learning. Additionally, roles such as caregiver or authority figure can affect a child's sense of security and social skills.

Question 3: List three factors that can affect a child's experience of childhood in the UK today.

Answer: Factors include socioeconomic status, family structure (e.g., single-parent or two-parent families), and access to education and social resources.

Question 4: Explain what is meant by the term 'socialisation' in the context of childhood.

Answer: Socialisation is the process through which children learn the norms, values, behaviours, and roles expected by society and their family, helping them become functioning members of society.

Question 5: Imagine a family where parents work long hours and children spend a lot of time alone. Discuss two possible impacts this could have on the children.

Answer: Children might experience feelings of loneliness or neglect, which could affect their emotional well-being. They may also have less supervision, leading to increased risk of engaging in risky behaviours or developing independent skills at a slower pace.

Question 6: Draw a simple family tree including a grandparent, two parents, and two children. Label each member clearly.

Answer: A family tree with three generations: the top row with the grandparent, the middle row with the two parents (who are siblings or a couple), and the bottom row with two children (their offspring). Each person should be labeled accordingly.

Question 7: Sketch a scene of a child playing with friends in a park. Include at least three different activities or objects in your drawing.

Answer: A sketch showing children playing on swings, a child with a ball, and a slide or trees in the background, illustrating typical outdoor play activities.

Question 8: Discuss how modern technology, such as smartphones or tablets, can influence a child's social life within their family and peer groups.

Answer: Technology can help children stay connected with family and friends through messaging and social media, enhancing communication. However, it can also lead to reduced face-to-face interactions and may impact social skills or cause distractions during family time.

Question 9: Identify and explain two ways schools can support children's well-being and development.

Answer: Schools can support well-being by providing access to counselling services and promoting a positive and inclusive environment. They can also offer extracurricular activities that encourage social skills and personal growth.

Question 10: Reflect on how societal expectations of childhood have changed over the last 50 years. Provide two examples.

Answer: One change is that children now spend more time in education and structured activities, whereas in the past, childhood was more about free play. Another example is increased awareness of children's rights and protections, leading to laws and policies that safeguard children from harm.