How to talk to your kids about Anzac Day
How do you talk to kids about Anzac Day
It's a time when families across Australia pay respects to those who've served their country, both in the past and present, and commemorate the Gallipoli landing during World War I.
Some families boast a proud lineage of local legends who've served in the Defence Force, while others simply want to honour and remember the sacrifices made to safeguard our country and others.
But talking about war and loss with young'uns can be heavy stuff, and we want them to feel safe and secure above all. You know your little tackers best, so it's vital to consider what they can grasp and how they might feel about it all. Keep the message simple and focus on Anzac Day as a time to:
- Thank those who've served our country.
- Acknowledge the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy – we're mighty lucky.
- Look out for everyone in our community, especially those who need extra help.
Now, let's talk about biscuits! Baking Anzac cookies is a top-notch way to get your little ones involved in commemorating Anzac Day. It's a ripper chance to chat while you whip up a batch together, following a recipe and building those brain muscles.
And why not kick-start your own family Anzac Day tradition? Whether it's attending a dawn service or joining in an Anzac Day parade, it's a chance to come together and pay respects. Don't forget to hunt down some Anzac biscuit recipes to read together, bake, and share.
Books can also help broach tricky topics in a gentle way. Plus, it's a bonus opportunity to introduce new words like "soldiers" and "defence" and have a yarn about what they mean. Check out these book suggestions for your little ones:
- "Anzac Ted" by Belinda Landsberry
- "Lest We Forget" by Kerry Brown
- "My Grandad Marches on Anzac Day" by Catriona Hoy
This article has been written to help increase the knowledge and understanding of the Bundaberg community and is part of Bundaberg Regional Libraries First 5 Forever. Learn more about Baby and toddler Storytime at Bundaberg Library here.
First 5 Forever is an initiative of the Queensland Government, coordinated by State Library of Queensland and delivered in partnership with local government.
