Children in Ancient Greece

Greek Babies: The ancient Greeks considered their children to be "youths" until they reached the age of 30! When a child was born to ancient Greek family, the father carried his child in a ritual dance around the household. Friends and relatives sent gifts. The family decorated the doorway of their home with a wreath of olives for a boy or a wreath of wool for a girl.  

Greek Girls:  In Athens, as in most Greek city-states, with the exception of Sparta, girls stayed at home until they were married. Like their mother, they could attend certain festivals, funerals, and visit neighbours for brief periods of time. Their job was to help their mother, and to help in the fields, if necessary. 

Greek Boys:  In most Greek city-states, when young, the boys stayed at home, helping in the fields, sailing, and fishing. At age 6 or 7, they went to school.