National Families Week runs from the 12th until the 18th of May, 2025. The theme for this year is ‘lending a hand to thrive – supporting each other’.
National Families week also aligns with the UN’s International Day of Families, which is held on the 15th of May.
As professionals, we know that families are “children’s first and most influential educators” (EYLF, p.6). Much of what we do in our services is based around each child’s family. When we teach about diversity and difference, when we celebrate cultural practices and holidays, or when we encourage each child to share about their home life, we are intentionally highlighting the importance of family culture and identity.
The theme this year, ‘supporting each other’, reflects a key principle at Gowrie, that our role is to support children, and also their families.
Families play a vital role in shaping children’s development, identity, and sense of belonging. In early childhood education, we recognise that meaningful partnerships with families enhance children’s learning outcomes and wellbeing. When we build strong, respectful relationships with families, we are better positioned to understand each child’s unique strengths, needs, and interests, allowing us to create truly responsive and inclusive learning environments.
Supporting families means more than just communication; it involves creating genuine opportunities for collaboration, valuing family input, and acknowledging the diverse ways families contribute to their child’s growth. By lending a hand and offering consistent encouragement, support, resources, and understanding, we empower families in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher. Together, we can help children thrive not only within the early years, but in their lives beyond.
Early Learning Manager Alistair, from our Carlton Learning Precinct, has this to say on family partnerships:
“We ask all of our families to share with us about what’s important to them. What are the key things they like to celebrate? What are the key things that make up their identity, that they would like to see in our environments. How can we work in partnership with them to bring those values to life?”
This approach is broadly acknowledged by our Gowrie families, with one family from our Carlton North service telling us that “the educators treat each child and family as an individual. They really take the time to get to know each child, their likes, their dislikes, what makes them feel comfortable. That’s something that’s hard to find.” Another parent from Broadmeadow Valley agrees with this sentiment, reflecting that “I actually feel really happy and safe leaving my child here. It helps me feel comfortable to go to work and study.”
The team at Gowrie Docklands Kindergarten (GDK) are proud of their strong relationship with families. For one family, from the Barbarka room, this relationship translates into feeling like that service “is an extension of home.” “We don’t have family in Australia, and being at Gowrie helps us to feel like part of a community; it’s an expansion of our family.”
“We just love that it’s our role to give back to the community,” Liz says, “one of the most rewarding parts of the job is being able to support an entire family, and know that you’re making a difference in their lives.”
Reflective questions:
- How do we currently recognise and value families as children’s first and most influential educators in my daily practice?
- In what ways do we invite families to share their cultural practices, values, and priorities with our service?
- Do all families feel safe, welcomed, and heard at our service? If not, what could we do differently?
- How do we seek contributions from families on their child’s learning journey?
- What changes could I make this National Families Week to deepen my partnerships with families and live out the theme of ‘lending a hand to thrive’?
