Information on Child Rearing in the 1800s in America

In the 1800s, views regarding child rearing stood in stark contrast to those of modern Americans. Childhood was not the carefree time of nurturing and play that it is today. Rather, children were often relied on to generate income for the family by helping out on the farm or working in factories.

Obedience

• Unquestioning obedience was a central tenet of 19th century child rearing. Parents were advised that their primary duty was to completely subdue the will of their children.

Discipline

• Corporal punishment was widespread in the 1800s. It was socially acceptable and even normal for parents to beat their children, whereas today such actions would be considered child abuse.

Late Changes

• With the new century looming, child rearing practices began to evolve as novel technologies led to less need for child labor. Childhood came to be viewed as a time of innocence, and consequently parents treated their children with less harshness than in earlier times. Additionally, the notion of playtime emerged during this time period.