Family life and upbringing Australian family photo (circa 1890s ) When the lost generation were growing up, the ideal family arrangement was generally seen as the man of the house being the breadwinner and primary authority figure whilst his wife dedicated herself to caring for the home and children. Most, even less well off, married couples attempted to conform to this ideal. It was common for family members of three different generations to share a home. Wealthier households also tended to include domestic servants, though their numbers would have varied from a single maid to a large team depending on how rich the family was. Health and living conditions  Sewer systems designed to remove human waste from urban areas had become widespread in industrial cities by the late 19th century helping to reduce the spread of diseases such as cholera. Legal standards for the quality of drinking water also began to be introduced. However, the introduction of electricity was slower and during the formative years of the lost generation gas lights and candles were still the most common form of lighting.
Family life and upbringing Family in Queensland pictured at home (circa 1900 ) When the lost generation were growing up, the ideal family arrangement was generally seen as the man of the house being the breadwinner and primary authority figure whilst his wife dedicated herself to caring for the home and children. Most, even less well off, married couples attempted to conform to this ideal. It was common for family members of three different generations to share a home. Wealthier households also tended to include domestic servants, though their numbers would have varied from a single maid to a large team depending on how rich the family was. Health and living conditions Painting from 1893 of a women giving a child a wash. The link between hygiene and good health was becoming better understood by the end of the 19th century and frequent bathing had become common. Sewer systems designed to remove human waste from urban areas had become widespread in industrial cities by the late 19th century helping to reduce the spread of diseases such as cholera. Legal standards for the quality of drinking water also began to be introduced. However, the introduction of electricity was slower and during the formative years of the lost generation gas lights and candles were still the most common form of lighting.
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Australian family photo (circa 1890s
Family in Queensland pictured at home (circa 1900
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Painting from 1893 of a women giving a child a wash. The link between hygiene and good health was becoming better understood by the end of the 19th century and frequent bathing had become common.