- Men and women married in their mid-twenties
- There were more men than women in the colonies
- Families usually had between seven and ten children
- Children were raised differently based on religion, but were always expected to work
- Almost half of all children died before they became adults
- Adults often died of disease, and then their spouse would quickly remarry, causing houses to fill up with children
- All colonists welcomed old family members, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles, into their home, even when they hardly had room for themselves
- The father was considered the head of the family and hunted and fished to provide food
- Mothers raised the children and did chores such as cooking and laundry
- Sons were expected to help with the family business, while daughters helped the mother with her chores