Throughout the history of childhood development, poor social and economic conditions have contributed to the many hardships and poor treatment of children. During the early Middle Ages the concept of the "paternalistic" family evolved, and the father had authority and control over family matters, including the well-being and safety of his wife and children. Discipline was severe, young children, both poor and rich, were subject to strict rules and regulations and often beaten if disobedient. Children have taken on adult responsibilities from an early age, sharing the work of siblings and parents. Girls from wealthy families were educated at home and married during adolescence. Some males were educated in a monastery and others became apprentices to experienced knights. Children considered retarded or suffering from illnesses were abandoned in churches or orphanages. Relationships between parent and child were distant, and younger siblings, male and female, were considered "economic and social liabilities." (Siegel 10). Customs and practices such as primogeniture and dowry subjected many children to endure suffering and cruel treatment. These customs and traditions often caused family rivalries, sometimes led to tragedies, and had a significant impact on the roles of women and children. Under primogeniture the oldest surviving male inherited lands and family titles. Younger brothers who were not fortunate enough to receive land were forced to enter religious orders, become soldiers, or seek wealthy patrons. Under the dowry system, a woman's family donated money, land, or other wealth in exchange for a potential husband. This system "forced women into the role of second-class citizens dependent on their fathers and brothers." The nurses dealt with newb...... middle of paper ......rs (mandatory sentences) and targeted hardening techniques (steering locks, shatterproof glass on shop windows). This approach is not consistent with the vision that guides the juvenile court because this type of dissuasive punishment interferes with the philosophy of “parens patriae”. Juveniles are treated more leniently than adults, which limits the law's power to deter juvenile crime. (Siegel 96).REFERENCESiegel, Larry J., Brandon C. Welsh, and Joseph J. Senna. 2003. Juvenile Delinquency: Theory, Practice and Law. California: Thomson Wadsworth.Hyperdictionary, (http://www.hyperdictionary.com/search.aspx?define=status+offenders)Flowers, R. Barri. 2002. Teens Who Commit Adult Crimes Serious Crime by Juvenile Offenders. New York: The Haworth Press.