For children and adults, connection can feel positive, negative, or more often a mix of both. Finding, building and sustaining connection that makes us feel we belong can be a challenge for many of us, especially in tough times when we might need it most. And when we are caring for children, we have their ideas and needs for connection and belonging to consider as well.
We want you to know you and your children are worthy of connections that make you feel valued; that help your parenting and support your family to navigate everyday life, along with the tough times when the odds are stacked against you.
This collection of resources has been created by families who’ve been through tough times to spark hope and new ideas for finding and sustaining a sense of belonging. Whether your connections are…
- within your family
- beyond your family
- in person or virtually; or
- with people, places, creatures, characters or ancestors…
You know what fits best for you and your family – and we’re right here with you.
We hope some of these ideas resonate with you, and you can try the ones that feel right for you and your family.
Choose from the following resources:
Thank you
These resources were generously co-created by our lived experience partners Emi (Ngarrindjeri Country), Jason (Lutruwita Country), M (Kaurna Country) and Stuart (Wurundjeri Country), Kerry (Whadjuk Nyoongar Country), Louise (Gadigal Country), Ann (Wurundjeri Country), Flick (Awabakal Country), Rachael (Kaurna Country), Fiona (Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country), Michaela (Awabakal Country), Lola (Ngarrindjeri Country), Arthur (Ngarrindjeri Country), Keely (Wurundjeri Country), Lou (Pitjantjatjara living/working on Peramangk and Kaurna Country), Bec (Peramangk and Kaurna Country), Elliot (Kaurna Country), Jess (Kaurna Country) Leigh (Yugambeh Country), Charlotte (Yugambeh Country), Wei (Kaurna Country) and Tiffany (Treaty 7 Country on Turtle Island).
Emerging Minds would like to recognise the time, knowledge, skills and wisdom drawn on by all of you to undertake this extraordinary task. Yours are the shoulders upon which future generations of lived experience advocates will stand.