Home Life and Customs (continued)
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Babies-from Birth to Walking. Babies are regarded as a gift from God and are welcomed with pleasure into the family and community. A baby is considered blameless, can do no wrong, and if he cries he is in need of comfort, not discipline. Babies are rarely fed on a strict schedule mealtime, for the attitude of the family is one of sharing. Eating is an important social activity.

During the first year, the baby receives solicitous care from persons of all ages. Babies are enjoyed, they are believed to be gentle and responsive. A baby can be spoiled by improper handling, especially by nervous, tense handling, but that is not the fault of the baby. The infant is secure within the home and the Amish community, and this equips him to trust himself and those around him. At this age babies are not scolded or punished. Although a baby may be difficult, he is not considered bad. The baby stage ends when a child begins to walk.

Little Children-from Walking to Entering School. Parents create a safe environment for their children, protecting them physical and moral danger. The preschool child learns to respect and obey those in authority, to share with others and help others, to do what is taught, and to enjoy work and perform it pleasantly.
Parents teach obedience by being consistent and firm. The use of a switch may be used, but harshly. Parents vary in their handling of the disobedience child, but they will not tolerate stubbornness or defiance. Generally the Amish are matter-of-fact rather than moralistic in dealing with their children. Work is viewed as helping others, and children are trained to help one another rather than to be independent. There is little difference in the task done by preschool girls and boys. Children are not thanked for carrying out responsibilities expected of them. Crying and deep emotion are not discouraged except in the case of physical pain or self-pity.

Amish children experience great freedom of movement as they accompany older persons around the farm. They are encouraged to be useful but are not pushed to form task beyond their ability. Initiative in the physical world is encouraged, but asking questions of an intellectual nature is strictly channeled. Instead of asking how or why, the child learns to observe and imitate on a behavioral level. The presence of a father is considered necessary for the proper upbringing of the preschool child. Little children sit through the long preaching service, girls with their mothers, and boys with their fathers. Here they learn to be quiet and patient. The Amish do not sanction kindergartens, believing that the child should be under the care of the parents in the home. Small children are kept away from the outside world as much as practical. They are not usually introduced to non-Amish people.

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