Children

The journey from birth to adulthood is marked by traditions and rituals.
Pregnancy durations vary, with Human gestation lasting nine months and other species like Keeva and Boma experiencing shorter or longer periods respectively. Childbirth, managed by skilled midwives, some with magical abilities, presents inherent risks.
Childhood care initially falls to mothers, but as children grow, the responsibility often shifts to broader family or community members. Educational opportunities are scarce, predominantly available to those connected to guilds or the upper classes. Children naturally engage in spontaneous, physical play and take on household responsibilities early.
The transition to adulthood is celebrated through the Sillankassa ceremony, where individuals make their first offerings to the gods, marking their readiness to embrace adult responsibilities. This rite of passage is a significant cultural milestone, and is followed by a celebratory meal and the receipt of gifts.

Pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a common experience across the various species of Helerin, each with its unique gestation periods. Human pregnancies typically span nine months, a period during which women often continue with their daily tasks and employment. In contrast, the Keeva may experience pregnancies as brief as seven months. The Boma and Makkun, with their more extended gestations, carry their young for nearly eleven months.

Childbirth

Childbirth in Helerin is a time of both joy and trepidation, marked by its inherent risks.
Midwifery is a respected practice, often undertaken by local healers who may also possess magical abilities, particularly those with the magical talents of Guardians. These skilled practitioners provide essential care, using both traditional methods and magical interventions to ensure the safety of mother and child.

Childhood

Care of children

The care of newborns and infants in Helerin typically falls to the mother. In wealthier families, a wet nurse may be employed to assist in the early months.
As children grow, the responsibility of their care often extends to both parents, grandparents, or other community members. It is commonplace for older siblings to look after the younger ones, helping to manage household duties while the parents work.

Education

Educational opportunities vary significantly by social status, location, and wealth. While the majority of the population remains illiterate, those with connections to guilds, temples, or noble lineage have access to education. Instruction is pragmatic, focusing on skills necessary for craft, trade, or governance.
Formal education is reserved for a few elite institutions, which mould the future leaders and skilled professionals of Helerin.
See also: Education and learning

Play

In Helerin, play is a spontaneous activity rather than a structured part of childhood. Children often invent their own games, which are typically physical and involve lots of energy and laughter. This unstructured play is crucial for their physical development and social skills.

Work

From a young age, children are integrated into the community's daily routines. In less affluent families, children contribute to household or farm chores, while adolescents might be apprenticed in a trade, used for general labour, or sent on errands.
This early introduction to work helps children learn the value of contribution and prepares them for adult responsibilities.

Reaching adulthood

In Helerin, the transition to adulthood is marked not by age but by maturity. Children are considered too young to participate fully in religious ceremonie, make offerings to the gods, or to marry. The key rite of passage is the Sillankassa, a religious ceremony that marks the individual's entry into adulthood.
Conducted in a temples dedicated to a deity with whom they feel a particular alignment, the ceremony involves the young adult making their first sacrificial offering. This act is a public acknowledgment of their readiness to take on the responsibilities of adult life. The ceremony is followed by a celebratory meal at home, where the new adult receives gifts from family and friends, symbolising their community's support.