Childhood is a stage in the development of an individual that spans the period from birth to adolescence. It is a period of rapid physical, cognitive, and social growth, as well as intense dependency on caregivers. Childhood is a time of innocence and play, but it is also a time of high levels of stress and anxiety as children learn to adapt to the world around them. The transition from childhood to adulthood is marked by a variety of milestones, such as gaining more independence, developing more mature emotional and cognitive abilities, and defining one's role within the family and society.