Sweet 16

While some may think that 16 is too young of an age for rumspringa to begin, I don’t think this is the case. In Amish culture this is the age where they believe that individuals become adults. It does not make sense to impose a different age that corresponds to when the “English” world thinks people become adults. It is quite possible that Amish teenagers are more mature than English teens. They have been raised to be modest and hard workers. Hard work requires discipline and responsibilities that can mature a person quickly. Also it is important to remember that rumspringa does not necessarily end when a person turns 17. It can last for several years if needed. So someone who entered rumspringa at 16, could be in his/her 20s when he/she decides to enter the church or leave the church. People change and it can take years to do so. So it may be pertinent to start rumspringa at a rather early age in order for a person to decide what he/she wants to do and start his/her life, whether it is Amish or English.