In the 1600s people thought that they should burn witches, or anyone who had showed magical power. They were not burning any children at this time but the kids parents, even if they weren't magical. here is a short story about what it was like to be a mother at this time: 

Those who are not witches but are the parents of a witch or wizard, will be burned right away.

John Filgerbard.

Mrs. Lanyard read the letter again, thinking that if they did find out that her baby had summoned its bottle, Her and Mr. Lanyard would be burned.

"Mother? I think that they saw me put a spell on the boy next door!" Lillian said starting to cry.

"Oh, Dear! We have to get out of here. Oh, don't cry." Mrs. Lanyard said soothingly picking up the baby.

"But, Mother! Look its a l-letter for you and Father!" said Lillian not so happily holding out a letter that said on the back:

Mr. and Mrs. Lanyard

65th house on the left by the cave

"Oh, my! here let me read it!" Mrs. Lanyard said gently taking the letter from Lillian, and putting down the baby.

Witches and Wizards are not allowed here you must be burned with no trial!

John Filgerbard, Head of the Witch hunters.

"Wait, when though!?" asked Mrs. Lanyard worriedly.

"The 13th of this month." Lillian said crying very hard.

"But... But thats tomorrow!" Mrs. Lanyard said shocked.

The next day Mr. Lanyard and Mrs. Lanyard got burned, and their kids got thrown in jail.