Small children lived with their mothers and other female relatives in a special part of the house.
The children's clothes were simple and made of linen. Sometimes they had leather or reed sandals, and most wore bracelet or necklace of beads. It was the custom to shave boy's heads, leaving only one plaited lock. This was cut off when the child reached 12 years.

When their sons were four years old, fathers began to train them on their own profession or trade. Most girls married and looked after the house and their children.

The Egyptians loved their children, but sadly many died at birth or when they were small. Their parents tried to prevent accidents and illness by spells and charms. Many paintings and statues show children as important people in the family group.