Marriage was seen as a political and economic alliance rather than a romantic union. Knights often married into noble families to gain land, wealth, and power. Wives were expected to manage their husbands' households, raise their children, and provide companionship and support.
Children were raised to be strong, courageous, and loyal to their family and lord. Boys were often sent away to be trained as pages and squires, while girls were educated at home in the skills they would need as future wives and mothers.
Family bonds were important to knights, and they often had close relationships with their extended family members, such as their parents, siblings, and cousins. Knights also developed strong bonds with their fellow knights and their lord, who was seen as a father figure.
Despite these close relationships, knightly life could be harsh and dangerous. Knights were often away from home for long periods of time, and they faced the constant risk of injury or death in battle. Wives and children were left to fend for themselves in their husbands' absence, and they could be vulnerable to attack from enemies.
As the Middle Ages progressed, the importance of knightly families began to decline. This was due to the rise of mercenary armies and the increasing power of the nation-state. However, the traditional ideals of knightly family life continued to influence European culture and society for many centuries.