The family were poor; they grew most of their own food, and the children all helped with growing vegetables, keeping chickens and rabbits, and making meals. Laurence was taught languages and music by his mother, who generally saw that the children were progressing well academically.
Ang pamilya ay dukha; sila lumago karamihan ng kanilang sariling pagkain, at ang mga bata sa lahat ng tumulong sa lumalagong gulay, panatilihin ang mga chickens at rabbits, at paggawa ng pagkain.