In Albania, most households consist of parents (or a parent) and their children. Some households have more than one relative living with the family, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Typically, in Albania, both parents work and are financially responsible for the family. The roles of women and men are also different in Albania. Usually, the father is the head of the family and makes big decisions, while the mother takes care of the children and the house. Both roles are highly respected. Hiring a housekeeper is not common in Albania; however, in the capital of Tirana, some middle- and upper-income families can now afford to have a housekeeper. In low and middle incoming families, the mother does the cleaning; children are required to clean up their own room or help their mothers.
Albania is small and it is typical for people to know each other. Parents often spend time with their family members and friends, and they try to socialize their children. Meeting with cousins or friends of the family and their children is normal. Depending on the size of the apartment, teenagers will typically spend time alone in their rooms. Many parents in Albania are actively involved in supporting or helping to arrange their children’s extracurricular activities. Albanian parents are often in frequent, direct contact with their children’s teachers at school and are kept aware of their academic progress through regular meetings.
