In 1671 puritan minister Eleazar Mather of new England reminded his congregation why they left England “unto this land to make sure of their children’s spiritual welfare to leave god in their midst” (source 1). For proper rearing and molding a sound family or children puritans saw to English a good reading and writing as well as knowledge of scriptures. This knowledge led to many different literary works and histories, diaries, letters, and sermons …show more content…
Though the father had final authority in the house in a preindustrial era, mothers also played very important roles in spiritual salvation and education. As compared to families in England and Virginia New England families were larger with six or more children.
Puritans followed colonial common practice of apprenticeship. At age fourteen a puritan child was sent for seven years to another family to learn a trade.
2. The puritans had great expectations of their children. Respect and obey your parents without question. “honor thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with premise.” (source 10) Who so curseth father or mother, let him die the death” (source 10).
Kids were strictly supervised. Children were not idle or playing around, or to indulge in profane and promiscuous ancin. Disobedient son age sixteen years old.
“Parents would bring him to court and testify unto them, that their son is stubborn and rebellious and will not obey them, but lives in sundry notorious crimes, such a son shall be put to death”. (source …show more content…
Though, the puritan’s society was egalitarian. Different times have different values. Puritan childhood New England had different values and expectations than the 21st century America. Values and expectations change with the time and different events. The puritans neglected sporting events, dancing events today. Even in portraits and building of houses etc. You feel lack of maturity and refinement. Their portraits are serious as in todays they are smiling. Their confined houses lacked privacy precious than today’s kids who are more open and at ease. Puritan parents as todays did what they thought was best for their children just like today’s parents