First Nations Telegraph

[Cate Kennedy]

Triple P’s Cultural Consultant, Michell Forster. Image: supplied

This NAIDOC Week (7-14 July), the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is encouraging families to acknowledge the incredible history, achievements, and culture of First Nations Peoples and embrace this year’s theme: ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’.

Triple P’s Cultural Consultant, Michell Forster said that NAIDOC Week is a great time for children and young people to celebrate and learn more about First Nations Peoples’ lives, language, and traditions and how they can be champions for change. “Everyone should be proud to be a part of the oldest, continuous living cultures in the world.

Parents and carers have the unique ability as their children’s first teachers to help them gain a deeper understanding and positively engage in reconciliation,” Ms Forster said.

“Children may have questions about NAIDOC Week, so this is a good time to truly listen to kids when they come to you,” she said.

“Encourage children to share what they already know, along with stories or songs that give a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander history and customs or discuss the significance of the week and the vital role it plays for First Nations People. Find a book by a First Nations author and read it to your children - a great way to settle into an evening routine with kids!

“Spending quality time together is also an effective way for parents and carers to build strong, deadly connections with their kids,” Michell said.

“For example, when your child comes to you, stop what you are doing and listen, even if it’s just for a minute or so, have a yarn with your child, and connect in a meaningful way.

“Even small changes like this can make a big difference to a child’s self-esteem and confidence and strengthen their social and emotional wellbeing,” she said.

“Use this week to come together as a family and attend one of the many family-friendly NAIDOC events and activities in your community or check out the NAIDOC website for more resources.

“Together, we can help our children be loud, proud, and thrive,” Ms Forster said.

Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program to parents and carers of children in Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Parenting Education and Support Program. Parents and carers can access free, online parenting support 24/7 at triplep-parenting.net.au