Family life
Family is a central part of the Mennonite culture. Mennonite families consist of one father and one mother. It is common to marry young, sometimes as young as 18 or 19. Families are often larger than the societal average, althought this often depends on how conservative a family is. Most see children as a blessing directly from God. Many traditional Mennonites don't believe in family planning, but rather that God will direct and give grace as He sees fit. Although the Mennonite society is very patriarchal, parents generally make decisions together, with the head of the household having the final word. Men are seen as the providers of the family and work outside of the home (often in agriculture or various trades). Women are generally expected to stay at home and take care of the children, cook, clean, sew, etc. Although things are changing and all families vary in this regard, men are often not expected to help with house chores in traditional Mennonite homes. This often applies to children as well – girls do inside chores, boys do outside chores. This may result in boys being hesitant to do what they condider “woman’s work” in school as well.
Traditionally, children learn the value of working toward a common goal as a family. Most children help with simple chores or with taking care of younger siblings at a very young age. There is, of course, a hierarchical pecking order among the children, from oldest to youngest, as the older children help the with the younger ones early on. Discipline is commonly handled by the father in a typical Mennonite home. If a child is disciplined at school, this will generally be supported by most parents and reinforced at home. Children are taught love, respect and obedience at an early age.
Traditionally, children learn the value of working toward a common goal as a family. Most children help with simple chores or with taking care of younger siblings at a very young age. There is, of course, a hierarchical pecking order among the children, from oldest to youngest, as the older children help the with the younger ones early on. Discipline is commonly handled by the father in a typical Mennonite home. If a child is disciplined at school, this will generally be supported by most parents and reinforced at home. Children are taught love, respect and obedience at an early age.
Photo retrieved from:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/06/us-mexico-mennonites-idUSBRE8B516520121206
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/06/us-mexico-mennonites-idUSBRE8B516520121206