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Family Life
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Roman families were small. Parents usually had three children or less. Children were expected to grow up quickly. Children in poor families had to start work as young as 5 or 6. Richer children did little but play until they were 7. Boys then started school. Most left at 11 to learn the family business. Boys were considered to be adults at 14. Girls were educated at home. They were taught how to run a household by their mothers. Most girls were engaged by 12 and married by 14.
Parents were affectionate towards their children but they expected to be obeyed. Marriages often ended in divorce. If this happened, the children always stayed with the father. The Romans believed that age brought wisdom. Because of this, they respected aged relatives.
(A) SLAVES
Household slaves were often well treated. Many were freed as a reward for good service.
(B) WET NURSE
The wet nurse was a slave who looked after children. She washed, dressed, and fed them, played with them and helped in their education. Children often saw their parents only at the evening meal.
(C) THE MOTHER
With slaves looking after her children, the mother could concentrate on managing the household.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
The Romans
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Section:
The Romans
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Chapter:
Family Life
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