pos·ses·sion
pəˈzeSHən/Submit
noun
1.
the state of having, owning, or controlling something.
“are you in possession of any items over $500 in value?”
synonyms: ownership, control, hands, keeping, care, custody, charge, hold, title, guardianship More
LAW
visible power or control over something, as distinct from lawful ownership; holding or occupancy.
“both teams attempting to gain possession of the ball”
synonyms: occupancy, occupation, tenure, holding, tenancy
“her possession of the premises”
informal
the state of possessing an illegal drug.
“they’re charged with possession”
(in football, basketball, and other ball games) temporary control of the ball by a particular player or team.
“the ball hit a defender and Brown’s quick reaction put him in possession”
2.
an item of property; something belonging to one.
“I was alone with no money or possessions”
synonyms: belongings, things, property, (worldly) goods, (personal) effects, assets, chattels, movables, valuables; More

how is it that children are possessions? i kind of thought that they were lent to us for a short time so that we could grow up…who knew???