Welcoming Our Little Ones: A guide for families to raise strong and deadly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

In partnership with Nunkuwarrin Yunti and developed together with parents, Emerging Minds has released a new two-in-one guide created for parents and carers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, which includes a special section just for dads. Printed copies of the booklet will be available at the upcoming SNAICC conference, but if you can’t make it, you can print your own or read it online.

Based on the wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, Welcoming Our Little Ones shares stories of building culture, starting in the womb and continuing to age five years. You’ll read about parenting considerations from birthing on Country to building kinship and Community. The guide explores ways of connecting children to culture, special places, animals, plants and Country, such as through storytelling and song.

Flip the booklet over to read Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dads matter, where all the information for dads is repeated. Along with caring for mum and bub, this section details the special role that fathers play in teaching responsibilities and caring for Country, while passing on cultural knowledge and Lore, to their children.

You’re invited to read and share this guide to support parents and carers, wherever they are on their cultural journey, to raise healthy and grounded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.