Some would argue that ANZAC Day is losing its importance, but as a mother of three, I do not believe this to be true. For me, keeping the ANZAC spirit going is a sign of respect. Respect is defined as “a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements.” We use ANZAC Day as an opportunity to teach our children respect for what has been and respect for others.
ANZAC Day commemorates sacrifice, it shows mateship at its finest and it is part of what has brought countries together. For our children, it opens their eyes to see how people work together. It demonstrates that even though something horrible was happening, by working together, they were able to get through. Our children hear about war, they hear about conflict, they hear about death. ANZAC Day gives us as parents the opportunity to talk openly with our children and help them process, understand and appreciate what has come before, what is happening in other parts of the world and for the society we are lucky enough to live in.
Each year, put some time aside with your family to observe the tradition and ceremony of ANZAC Day. For some it could be attending the dawn service, for others it could be watching the march. You could simply set aside some time to make a batch of ANZAC biscuits and researching their history online.
With each opportunity that we have to demonstrate respect, we have an opportunity to help our children develop. Each time we observe a tradition, our children appreciate what has come before. For every child that participates in the day, they feel the pride of being part of a community. This ANZAC Day help your child to understand, appreciate and respect this important part of our Australian heritage.
Author: Andrea Chamberlain from Hands on Parent and Boxed Play for Kids.
Picture by Yanni