Most viking children had to work with their parents and didn't experience the childhood we have today.
The first challenge a Viking child had to face was getting through birth. If a child was sick or disabled they were taken away and left outside to die. Even after birth Viking children had to face the challenge of not getting sick, most Viking children died because they caught diseases that were not curable. One in five Viking children died before their 5th birthday. Very few Viking children lived beyond fifteen years of age.
Viking children were considered adults from the moment they were born, they did not attend school like today, they learnt through hard work and responsibilities placed on them.
Both boys and girls were expected to keep the family farm going and to support the homestead. Girls were taught household chores and cooking. Boys were taught to look after the farm.
Girls-
Viking girls remained at home with their mothers and grandmothers running the household, they were taught this job from a very early age. Girls were taught to cook meals in unhealthy smoky environments. They also learnt how to clean, tend to animals and yarn wool and flax for clothing.
If Viking girls were strong enough they were taught how to fight in close battle like warriors. There are many stories about female warriors, for example Lief Erikkson's wife who traveled to and fought in Finland.
Boys-
Until boys reached five years old they were looked after by parents or grandparents. At five and older boys were sent to a respective relative such as an Uncle to be taught important life skills. At 5-10 boys were taught how to farm. From the age of 10 and up, Viking boys were taught how to be Warriors in battle. They learnt how to navigate ships using stars and coastal landmarks and how to find lifesaving plants. Some viking boys were also taught how to construct and repair ships. Others were taught how to make jewelry, and to read and write runes.
The first challenge a Viking child had to face was getting through birth. If a child was sick or disabled they were taken away and left outside to die. Even after birth Viking children had to face the challenge of not getting sick, most Viking children died because they caught diseases that were not curable. One in five Viking children died before their 5th birthday. Very few Viking children lived beyond fifteen years of age.
Viking children were considered adults from the moment they were born, they did not attend school like today, they learnt through hard work and responsibilities placed on them.
Both boys and girls were expected to keep the family farm going and to support the homestead. Girls were taught household chores and cooking. Boys were taught to look after the farm.
Girls-
Viking girls remained at home with their mothers and grandmothers running the household, they were taught this job from a very early age. Girls were taught to cook meals in unhealthy smoky environments. They also learnt how to clean, tend to animals and yarn wool and flax for clothing.
If Viking girls were strong enough they were taught how to fight in close battle like warriors. There are many stories about female warriors, for example Lief Erikkson's wife who traveled to and fought in Finland.
Boys-
Until boys reached five years old they were looked after by parents or grandparents. At five and older boys were sent to a respective relative such as an Uncle to be taught important life skills. At 5-10 boys were taught how to farm. From the age of 10 and up, Viking boys were taught how to be Warriors in battle. They learnt how to navigate ships using stars and coastal landmarks and how to find lifesaving plants. Some viking boys were also taught how to construct and repair ships. Others were taught how to make jewelry, and to read and write runes.