The Chilean People 65
has a positive connotation and refers more to pampering.
Even if the child doesn’t ask to be catered to, the parents
will do so out of love.
Family Gatherings
Many Chilean families are tight-knit and spend a great deal of
time together. Susan had a glimpse of family life in Chile with
her host family. The family consisted of six adult children,
three married and three single who still lived at home.
Everyday a crowd descended upon the house for lunch. At
least three of the children—sometimes accompanied by
spouses—would come from school or work to eat lunch
together. In the evenings, it was not uncommon for at least
one of the married children to drop by to say hello on their
way home from work. And, of course, weekends saw the
family united for a delicious meal and amusing conversation.
Unfortunately, due to the demands of a developing society,
the majority of Chileans now cannot afford to spend as much
time together as before, but the family remains the number
one priority.
Families often gather together to celebrate special occasions.
