In the early 20th century, Finnish children spent most of their childhoods in small rural villages where they were surrounded by familiar neighbors and had plenty of places to play and explore. While spending time outdoors was a common pastime, life was also unpredictable, with many diseases not yet known to be treatable. Families living in poverty often struggled to find the support they needed.
At home, children were expected to take on various responsibilities based on their age and strength. Older siblings would often look after younger ones, with even six-year-olds sometimes taking care of babies if their mothers were busy. Children were also expected to show great respect for adults, which included being quiet when guests visited and watching their noise levels at home.
Schooling involved attending public schools where teachers were often strict disciplinarians. Despite this, most children enjoyed going to school and missed each other’s company when apart. Dr. Antti Malinen, a researcher at the University of Tampere’s history department sheds light on the historical context of Finnish childhood during that time period.
His insights reveal the challenges that children faced in rural villages and highlight the importance of community ties and simple pleasures in shaping their experiences. Through his research, we gain a better understanding of what it was like for Finnish children a century ago and how they adapted to life in these small communities.