A century ago, life for Finnish children was vastly different from what we know today. Children mostly lived in small rural villages, where outdoor play and familiar neighbors provided a sense of security in their daily lives. However, life was also filled with unpredictability due to many diseases that were not yet treatable.
Families affected by poverty often did not receive the necessary support they needed. Children in these villages were expected to help out with various chores around the house based on their age and abilities. Older siblings often had to care for younger ones, and even a six-year-old could be responsible for looking after a baby if the mother was occupied. Respect for adults was paramount, and children were expected to be quiet when guests visited, making talking with adults a stressful endeavor.
Despite this, most children attended public schools, where teachers were typically strict disciplinarians. Despite the rigidity of the school system, children generally enjoyed going to school as it provided opportunities for play and friendship. Even a hundred years ago, the companionship of other children was greatly missed.
Antti Malinen, a university researcher in history at the University of Tampere, provides insight into the lives of Finnish children a century ago, highlighting both the challenges they faced and the joys they experienced on a daily basis.
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