Amish Wisdom: What Amish kids (seem to) know

I am not an authority on the Amish way of life or Amish children. And I'm sure my Amish friends aren't representative of all Amish everywhere. But I have observed their family at work and at play, as well as their grown children's families, and I was struck by how calm, cheerful, and present the children were. Based on interactions I've seen over the past two years and on discussions I've had with Martha about their values, here's what I've surmised:

• Amish children know that they belong, that they're valued, and that they're welcome in their families and their community.

• Amish children know that the adults are in charge - of day-to-day situations and of themselves.

• Amish children know how to play and have fun.

• Amish children know they're useful and can make meaningful contributions.

• Amish children know how to cooperate because everyone in their community cooperates.

• Amish children know how to be friendly because everyone is friendly with them.

• Amish children know the sun doesn't revolve around them.

• Amish children know what's expected from them. Unlike most children, there's no disconnect between what they're told is expected from them and what's actually expected from them. (This will be covered in a separate post!)

• Amish children know their parents say what they mean and mean what they say, so they trust them.

• Amish children know how to get along in the world by watching their parents.

• Amish children know they can develop mastery and competence.

• Amish children know that the adults in their lives will teach them what they need to learn.

• Amish children know their parents will always be on their side.

• Amish children know their parents won't do for them what they can do for themselves.

• Amish children know that "what the situation requires" trumps "what I want".

What if their happiness is a by-product of all of these?