If you knew me ten years ago you would not believe that I want to be more like the Amish. However, I’ve recently discovered the Amish culture and ways I can apply it at home. Long story short, I’m hooked! While I will not be giving up my car or wearing a bonnet anytime soon there are things I will be implementing at home.
Who are the Amish?
For a little background, the Amish originated in 14th century during the Protestant Reformation. They disagreed with the teachings of the Catholic Church about infant baptisms. They reject most of modern day technologies to keep their priorities of faith and family first. Many know them as the “plain people”. Their clothes and head dresses make them easy to recognize. Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Indiana are some states they currently live.
Look, I am not going to say I didn’t know the Amish weren’t a real group, but I will say I had never seen them before moving to Ohio. It was a whole new world after I visited eastern Ohio, also known as, Amish Country. It was a crazy feeling, almost like I had traveled to another time. Being there and seeing the way they live really changed the way I viewed certain things.
After leaving that trip I spent several months studying their culture and way of life. I did this because I was so curious, especially about their parenting. These are my biggest take aways, and why we will use them at home.
Just a quick caveat, I know the Amish are not perfect and they have plenty of problems like the rest of us. However, I am just going to focus on the good parts of their community. I believe we can learn profitable and good things from all types of people. So, here’s what I learned.
LACK OF TECHNOLOGY
The Amish tend to avoid modern technologies for multiple reasons. They want to keep the integrity of their culture strong, they want to keep the pace of life slow, and they want to keep God and family front and center. They have a strong belief in a separation from the world. It’s not that a cell phone or tv is bad in of itself, but the control is has in our lives can be bad. People can miss out on so much life because they’re living in an online world.
I want my kids to look back and have a lot of memories with me. It would be so sad if all they remembered of me was me being on my phone. A lot of studies are now showing that kids who have less screen time tend to form better relationship with their family and friends. That makes sense because if you’re not surrounded by tech you have more time for conversations, games, and quality family time! Nothing is more important to me than intentional time with my family! I really admire that aspect of the amish culture.
FRUGALITY
Being frugal is a skill that I did not see as important until recently. In fact, I would laugh at moms who counted the cents at a grocery store or used coupons. Now I love finding ways to save money for my family. It makes me feel accomplished! The amish don’t attempt to be frugal, but it is just part of their culture. They are more focused on the usefulness of something instead of they way it looks or makes them feel.
C’mon who doesn’t want to save money and be more content with life with less? Hello! That sounds like the parenting dream.
DURABLE FAITH
Even if you disagree with the teachings of the Bible and the practices of the Amish, you still can admire their determination to follow their beliefs and convictions. I have the hardest time sticking to a new work out routine, limiting my own screen time, or keeping up with my morning devotionals. They seem to find deep purpose and meaning in their faith and work. I admire that part of their lives, and I hope I can instill that at home.
Involving kids in all aspects of life
My favorite part of Amish life is how involved the kids are in day to day life. Moms and Dad welcome kids in every scenarios. Whether its work, cooking, social events, or business they are always by their side. One story I read said that a mom brought her children along to bring food to a family who had recently suffered a loss. She said it was her job to teach her children how to care for others when they’re in need. Wow, what a great example for the kids and even for me.
I am guilty about not allowing my kids inside of day to day life. My son and daughter consistently ask to help cook dinner. Usually I say no because I am in a hurry or don’t want a big mess, but how will they ever learn if I don’t let them help? The amish believe they are best preparing their kids for life by teaching them everything, and I can’t help but think they might be on to something there.
Lessons learned
I am so grateful for being exposed to this culture and lifestyle. They have taught me a different way of looking at life and parenting. I am a strong believer in bettering ourselves through lessons learned. So, although the Amish population will never know me, they have profoundly impacted me.
