 Children generally remained in the direct care of their mothers until the age of about eight years old , after which time it was not uncommon for the child to be placed in the foster care of another family . There were any number of reasons for a child to be " put @-@ out " in this manner . Some children were placed into households to learn a trade , others to be taught to read and write . It seems that there was a theological reason for fostering children , as with almost every decision in the colony . It was assumed that children 's own parents would love them too much and would not properly discipline them . By placing children in the care of another family , there was little danger of them being spoiled . 
