Final answer:
Childhood is the stage of a human organism between birth and adolescence, divided into different postnatal stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Childhood is the stage of a human organism between birth and adolescence. It is divided into several postnatal stages. The first year of life is called infancy. The remaining years until adolescence are loosely divided into early childhood (one to five years), middle childhood (six to ten years), and pre-adolescence (11-12 years). Postnatal Stages of Childhood The period following birth is known as the postnatal phase, which consists of several stages culminating in adolescence. The first year of life is known as infancy, a time of rapid growth and development, extending beyond physical changes to include motor, sensory, and cognitive advancements. Infancy is succeeded by childhood, which is divided into three key stages: Covering ages one to five, early childhood transitions from toddlerhood (ages one to three) to the preschool years (ages three to five). This is a critical phase for physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development, with milestones ranging from walking and talking to engaging in complex play and building social connections. The ages of six to ten constitute middle childhood, where children cultivate foundational academic skills, enhance social interactions with peers, and continue to develop their motor skills through increased physical activity. Between ages 11 and 12, children enter pre-adolescence, experiencing preparation for the upcoming transition to adolescence. This stage includes significant growth spurts, the development of critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of complex social dynamics. Legally, childhood is identified as the time from birth until the age of majority, when an individual is considered an adult. Biologically, it refers to the span between birth and adolescence.