Throughout the history of childhood development, poor social and economic conditions have contributed to the many hardships and mistreatment of children. During the early Middle Ages, the "paternalistic" family concept evolved and the father had authority and control over family affairs, including the welfare and safety of his wife and children. Discipline was harsh, young children, poor and rich, were subject to strict rules and regulations and often beaten if they disobeyed. Children take on adult responsibilities early on, sharing the work of their siblings and parents. Girls from wealthy families were educated at home and married off as teenagers. Some men 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 parents and children were distant and younger siblings, both male and female, were considered “economic and social responsibilities.” (Siegel 10). Customs and practices such as primogeniture and dowry subjected many children to suffering and cruel treatment. These customs and practices 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 family land and titles. Younger siblings who were not fortunate enough to receive land were forced to enter religious orders, become soldiers, or seek out wealthy patrons. In the Dower system, a woman's family gave money, land, or other wealth in exchange for a potential husband. This system “forced women to play the role of second-class citizens, dependent on their fathers and brothers.” The nurses dealt with the new b...... middles of paper ......rs (mandatory sentences) and targeted toughening techniques (steering locks, unbreakable windows on store fronts). This approach is not consistent with the view that guides the juvenile court because this type of deterrent sanction interferes with the “parens patriae” philosophy. Juveniles are treated more leniently than adults, limiting the power of the law to deter juvenile delinquency. (Siegel 96). REFERENCES Siegel, 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. Children who commit crimes against adults. Serious crime committed by juvenile delinquents. New York: The Haworth Press.