From working six days a week in a factory to serving up sundaes at the Dairy Queen on weekends, Canadian children have done it all. In the first half of the century many families couldn't get by without financial help from their kids. The nation counted on its young when it came to wartime; from joining up to fight to tucking a love note in a scarf knit for an unknown soldier, witnesses recall their contributions. Recollections of work include cheapskate bosses, the decision to quit and the experience of getting fired. It was tough working in the coal mines …
Warnings: Depictions of war, difficult working conditions
What do you notice about differences in descriptions from the film's participants about working as a child? How does this seem similar to or different from your own experience? What were the working conditions for children in the different industries outlined? How were expectations different depending on gender? How has the history of working children and Home Children impacted the rights of Canadian children today? Which industries were particularly problematic for children to work in? Which are still sometimes used today by children? In your opinion, should children work? If so, which type of work would be acceptable?