The family unit is central to the Amish community, where children welcomed joyously and considered a gift from the Lord and the elderly are well cared for. Young men and women who choose to be baptized into the Amish church are expected to marry and have families. Amish can only marry Amish, although their choice of spouse may come from a different church district or settlement. Amish members conform to traditional gender roles and often have large families. Divorce is not allowed and separation is rare.

The father is the head of the Amish family, where he is responsible for leading the family in their spiritual walk, decision-making, wage-earning, and disciplining. While the wife may sometimes assist in a family business, her primary responsibilities lie within the home. She will cook, clean, launder, care for the young children, tend a small garden and small farm livestock, as well as direct all capable children in their chores around the home.

Amish culture allows families to grow very close since so much of their day is spent together. All meals are taken together, while between meals, young children and older daughters spend their time working together around the house, while the father and his older sons head out to the field or workshop. While working side by side with their parents, children are being trained in the ways of their Amish forebears, learning essential customs and skills. Regrettably, in some areas, fathers have been drawn away from the home and out of the community to work in factories to earn a living.

During the morning hours, children through 8th grade attend classes in one-room schoolhouses located within the settlement. The Amish believe that the next stage of growing up is best done near their families, learning a stronger religious faith and practical skills. Once children complete their schooling, the boys learn farming or carpentry alongside their fathers and the girls learn housekeeping and child-rearing skills. At age sixteen, the young are allowed more freedom and are even encouraged to live among the "English" to test their desire to remain in the Amish community. Although a small number of the youth decide to leave, most choose the Amish life and submit to baptism and commit their lives to the fellowship. They seek land or business opportunities as close to home as possible. Amazingly, Amish fathers continue to support their sons by doing their best to assist in the purchase of a farm or homestead and it is often the youngest son who takes over his parents' farm.

The elderly Amish are wonderfully provided for in their own home. A separate apartment, called a Grossdawdy, is set up within the farmhouse, even equipped with a kitchen. This allows the grandparents to retain their independence while still being able to participate in the family life and assist with farm or house work when needed. A horse and wagon are always reserved for his use so that he can be free to come and go as he wishes.