Childhood in colonial America was very different from childhood today. From an early age, children were expected to contribute to their family’s survival. Work, responsibility, and obedience were emphasized alongside learning.
Young children helped with simple tasks such as gathering firewood, feeding animals, or watching younger siblings. As they grew older, boys often learned trades or farm work, while girls were taught household skills like cooking, sewing, and childcare.
Formal education varied widely. Some children attended small schools, while others learned at home. Reading was considered important, especially for religious instruction. Play existed, but it was often limited and tied to practical skills.
Children also witnessed the growing tensions of the revolutionary period. They heard conversations about liberty, taxes, and resistance at home and in town gatherings. These ideas shaped how they understood authority and responsibility.
Colonial childhood fostered resilience and independence. Many of the young people who grew up during this time would later become citizens of a new nation, shaped by early lessons of duty and perseverance.
