Victorian family life

Victorians idealised family life and often had lots of children. Middle class people modelled themselves on the royal family and celebrated domestic life, hard work and respectability.

Men were the head of the household and went out to work, while women were expected to be home-makers or practice hobbies such as needlework.

Children were looked after by a nanny, and might only see their parents once a day.

Many wealthy Victorians thought that children should be seen and not heard!