Average Amish family: 6-8 children. Some have 10-12. This isn't accidental or irresponsible.
Why
Faith: Bible (Genesis 1:28): 'be fruitful and multiply.' Contraception is sinful in most communities. Economics: children are labor. More children = more productive farm. By 10, a child is a full worker. Insurance: no pension, no government. Children are your old age.
How They Manage
Older children care for younger. A 12-year-old girl is a second mother. Community helps: if mother is ill, neighbor women come to cook and clean. Simple life = less stress: no school schedules, no clubs, no 'enrichment activities.' Children grow, work, play.
Costs
Food: from the farm (nearly free). Clothing: self-sewn, handed down. Education: own school (teacher = community). Medicine: herbs + community pools. Entertainment: free (nature, games, family). One child: $2,000-3,000/year (vs $12,000-15,000 for average American).
Result
Amish population doubles every 20 years. In 1900: 8,000. In 2000: 165,000. In 2025: 400,000+. Fastest-growing religious group in America. Without missionary work — birth rate alone.