In the nineteenth century children were seen as miniature adults and their toys reflect this perception.     Toys were often gender specific smaller versions of either cookware or dolls for the girls or tools for the boys. Children were also encouraged to read and had a wide variety of selections available to them, from nursery rhymes for the very young to adventure stories for the adolescents, though there was a strong emphasis among the middle class to avoid too much fantasy, as it was suspected to lead to a weakness of mind and character.	"A strong reason why we should indulge children in reading some of the best fairy-stories and fables, and young people in reading some of the best novels, is, that we cannot possibly help their getting hold of some books of this description; and it is never wise to forbid what we cannot prevent..." Mrs. Child (Lydia Marie [Francis] The Mother's Book. 1831)
Work Children would often join the family in doing light chores, such as feeding the animals, which would teach them responsibility.  Less fortunate children in urban areas were used in factories and mills as cheap and expendable labor. Many of these children were preformed repetitive tasks for over twelve hours every day except Sunday
	"It is a benefit to children to have the care of feeding animals, such as lambs, chickens, &c. It answers two good purposes- it excites kindness, and a love of usefulness." Mrs. Child (Lydia Marie [Francis] The Mother's Book. 1831)