This paper examines Adam Smith's vision of family life and of its role within societ y. We first discuss textual evidences of his vision of gender differences and of the relationships between the sexes. Then we turn to his analysis of marriage and family life, exploring the importance of sentiments in strengthening family bonds and in fostering individuals' moral education. Then we enlarge our perspective, considering Smith's view on the role of the family within society, especially as market and non market relationships are concerned. Finally we compare Smith's vision with his own personal experience of family life and gender relationships as reported by his main biographers.