“Why is that flag different, Mum?”
It’s a question many parents hear this time of year, and it’s a beautiful chance to pause, listen, and learn together.
You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need to show your child that you care, and that it’s okay to ask questions and explore.
That’s what NAIDOC Week is all about.
What is NAIDOC Week?
NAIDOC Week is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - their cultures, their achievements, and their deep connection to Country.
The name NAIDOC comes from the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee, and while the history behind it is powerful, what matters most for families with young children is that it’s a time to reflect, celebrate, and build connection.
At Aussie Kindies, we believe every child, no matter how young, can begin to learn about respect, Country, and belonging.
The 2025 Theme: The Next Generation - Strength, Vision & Legacy
You’re not alone in that.
Many parents didn’t learn much about Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander history or culture when they were growing up. It’s completely normal to feel unsure about where to start.
The good news is, you don’t have to be an expert. Just being curious, respectful, and willing to learn with your child is more than enough.
“I want to teach my child, but I’m still learning too…”
This year’s theme is a celebration of the future - our children.
It reminds us that today’s little ones are the next generation of leaders, carers, and storytellers. They will carry forward the vision of strong, proud communities, and they are already part of that legacy.
At Aussie Kindies, we honour this theme through everyday learning, not just during NAIDOC Week. Through our Lifelong Learning Curriculum and our ongoing partnership with Wandana Aboriginal Education, our educators share stories, songs, and language that help children build real, lasting cultural connection.
5 Simple, Respectful Ways to Celebrate NAIDOC Week with Your Child
1. Read Together
Storytime is one of the best ways to introduce big ideas to little minds. Look for:
- Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Murphy
- Somebody’s Land by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing
- Baby Business by Jasmine Seymour
You can also explore stories and animations at ABC Kids NAIDOC Week.
2. Get Creative with Nature
Gather leaves, dirt, sand, or small twigs and create something together, no glue sticks required. Talk about the colours of the land, the patterns in bark, or the feel of the earth in your hands.
3. Dance, Move and Make Music
Play songs by First Nations artists or simply clap, stomp and dance to natural sounds. Ask your child what they’ve been singing at kindy - you might learn a new song too.
4. Start a Conversation
You don’t need to turn it into a lesson. Just be open:
“Who do you think lived here before us?”
“What do you think Country means?”
“Why do you think the land is important to people?”
5. Spend Time Outside
Go for a bushwalk, collect sticks or gum leaves, or plant something native in your yard. Talk about how we care for the land, and how it cares for us.
What NAIDOC Week Looks Like at Aussie Kindies
NAIDOC Week at our centres is full of stories, songs, hands-on learning and lots of questions.
But more than that, it’s part of our year-round commitment to cultural inclusion and respect.
With support from Wandana Aboriginal Education and guided by our Reconciliation Action Plan, we support children to build genuine relationships with First Nations perspectives, from the very start.
Little Moments Matter
You don’t need a big plan to make NAIDOC Week meaningful. Sometimes, all it takes is a quiet moment together - a story, a question, a walk on Country.
As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher. And showing them that culture matters, that stories matter, and that people matter - that’s something truly powerful.