In this country, at least, that type of life would have been the norm until at least the 1920's.
The idea of the nuclear family (mom, dad and 2.1 children) living in their own house or apartment is the norm didn't really come about until after WWII.
"The idea of the nuclear family (mom, dad and 2.1 children) living in their own house or apartment is the norm didn't really come about until after WWII."
You're correct. The norm was more the extended family prior to that war. Grandma and grandpa lived upstairs, or downstairs, and maybe the aging maiden aunt, as well.
It seems people have an uninformed view of America in the past.