Before They Are Six

Before They Are Six

| 17 min
Free
streaming

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This short documentary offers an early example of the challenges faced by working mothers. As women entered the workforce in greater numbers during WWII, their young children were cared for by others. At day nurseries, trained staff supervised children’s meals, health and play. Toddlers are taught how to wash and dress themselves and to put their toys away tidily. The film is an intriguing portrait of the nascent mid-20th century world of work for women and their families.

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Before They Are Six, Gudrun Parker, provided by the National Film Board of Canada

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Credits
  • director
    Gudrun Parker
  • script
    Gudrun Parker

  • garyh

    Wow!!! I can't believe I'm watching a documentary shot in Ottawa in 1943 in living colour!!! Thank you NFB.

    garyh, 3 Aug 2020

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