What was a common expectation for children during medieval times?

During medieval times, a common expectation for children was to earn income early and contribute to family labor. This reflects the socio-economic realities of the period, where families relied heavily on the contributions of all members for survival. Children, often seen as part of the workforce, were expected to assist in agricultural tasks, trades, or household duties at a young age. This practical approach to child-rearing emphasizes the roles children played in sustaining their families rather than being seen solely as dependents or receivers of care.

Formal education was not widely accessible to the majority of children during this time, particularly in lower socio-economic classes, which makes the first option less relevant. Additionally, while children were indeed perceived as members of society, the emphasis was on their contributions to the household rather than their integration as independent social actors, which makes the third choice less representative of the period's norms. Play and leisure activities certainly occurred, but they were not prioritized or formalized as essential aspects of childhood experience in the way that work was, thus making the fourth option less accurate in the context of medieval expectations.