Spain

Most Spaniards live in nuclear-family households of parents and unmarried children. However living with the extended family is very common. Often 3 or more generations of the same family live together in the same house. Whilst Mum and Dad go out to work, Grandma will cook and clean, and Grandad will look after growing the fruit and vegetables and maybe even pick the kids up from school.

The midday meal (comida) around 2:00 pm is the day’s principal meal, usually taken by families together at home. In the late afternoon, between 6:00 and 8:00 pm, people may eat a substantial snack (merienda) at or away from home, as dinner is not usually until about 10:00 pm.

Eating and drinking together are the main ways Spanish families spend time together, either during the week, on Sundays, or on special occasions. Children are valued by parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and older siblings but are expected to show respect to their parents.