Amish children are among the most obedient in the world. Not from fear. From respect.
Principles
Quiet voice. An Amish parent never yells. Yelling = loss of control = weakness. The quieter you speak — the more carefully they listen.
Consistency. Said 'no' means no. Always. No 'well okay, just this once.' The child knows the boundaries and doesn't test them because boundaries don't move.
Natural consequences. Didn't put away a tool → it rusted → clean it. Didn't feed chickens → no eggs for breakfast. The world teaches better than a parent.
What They Don't Do
Don't bargain ('if you clean up — you get candy'). Don't explain at length to a three-year-old why something's forbidden. Don't use time-outs (pointless). Don't take away toys (there are barely any).
What They Do
Redirect: 'don't break the stick — build with it.' Include in work: bored child = give a task. Personal example: children do what they see, not what they hear.