childness

plural childnesses

1. uncountableusuallyThe manner that is characteristic of a child; the quality of being childlike, especially those aspects of childhood that are positive, such as innocence, playfulness, trust, and openness.

   There is a childness into which we must all learn to grow, as well as a childhood we must all leave behind.

   1994, Michael Phillips, A God to Call Father

   3 more examples

   He makes a July's day short as December, And with his varying childness cures in me Thoughts that would thick my blood.

   c. 1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Winters Tale”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene ii]

   She so bewitched the whole princely race that six different princes, although each was married to a young wife, remained childless.

   1965, Attila Zohar, Kings Cross Black Magic, Sydney: Horwitz Publications, page 93

   Analysis of the promotional campaigns which have framed Matilda the Musical since its first performance in 2010 indicates how they draw on this concept, as the company has sought to maximize its appeal to an adult crossover audience by encouraging them to connect with their "childness," as the production suggests that self-esteem—and pleasure—may be accessed by modeling Matilda's energy and agency.

   2020, Donelle Ruwe, James Leve, Children, Childhood, and Musical Theater