In Ian McEwan's "The Child in Time," the essence of childhood is portrayed as a realm where time seems to stand still. For children, every moment is lived in the present, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that overshadow the past and future. While they certainly have memories and a sense of time's passage, these aspects do not define their reality. Instead, the present moment dominates their perception, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in their experiences without concern for what lies ahead.

This perspective is highlighted in the way children perceive growth and change. When they contemplate growing up, there is often an inherent disbelief in the inevitability of such transformations. To them, the idea of becoming something other than their current selves is almost unfathomable. McEwan captures this enchanting nature of childhood, emphasizing how children live without the weight of time that adults carry, focusing instead on the vibrant immediacy of their experiences.