Childhood: An Early Modern View

Child-rearing was an evolving practice within the English upper class from the sixteenth through eighteenth centuries. A new adult view of children as mature, fragile and inherently good led to changes in the nursing, care, and discipline of English, aristocratic children.
In the 16th century, much in accordance with the Puritan doctrine, children were seen as naturally evil beings. As stated by Robert Cleaver, a Calvinist Minister. Children were "... wayward and impulsive... inclined to evil."(Doc. 1) This is no surprise because Calvinists believed in pre-destination leaving little room to either hell or heaven. While a minister may have such negative view points, other members of English society had similar experiences. Lady Jane reflected on her childhood to be one of a negative upbringing "... sharply taunted with pinching and bobs... I think myself to be in hell."(Doc. 10)…