History of South America

What were family roles in the southern colonies?

Father:

- Head of the household

- Responsible for providing for the family

- Made all major decisions

- Disciplined the children

- Taught the sons how to farm or trade

- Taught the daughters how to cook, sew, and manage a household

Mother:

- Responsible for raising the children

- Managed the household

- Cooked the meals

- Cared for the sick

- Taught the daughters how to cook, sew, and manage a household

Children:

- Expected to obey their parents

- Helped with chores around the house

- Boys apprenticed to a trade at age 14

- Girls married at age 16 or 17

Slaves:

- Performed a variety of tasks, such as field work, housework, and cooking

- Were not considered members of the family

- Often lived in separate quarters from the rest of the family