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The hub of the family was Mam, who was a tower of strength during a crisis.  She was also bread baker, cook, washer woman, nurse and if any of the children were in trouble, responded very quickly to their yell for MAM!!!! 
Older boys usually worked alongside or near their father at the mine and the girls assisted with household chores whilst the youngsters busied themselves with top and whip, hoop and guard, rag dolls, wooden prams and football.
Dad, the coal miner would have a number of shifts at the pit  which didn't help the household to run smoothly.  For instance on fore-shift (4.00am. start) he would need to sleep during the afternoon and all the children would be kept quiet, or else!
His hobbies would probably include keeping racing pigeons or whippets.  He would also have an allotment and be a keen leek grower, and of course the odd night at the pub wouldn't be unheard of.

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