Feeling safe and secure
Sense of Belonging
Children develop a sense of belonging when they feel accepted, included and valued.
- Feeling connected helps children feel safe and secure
- Belonging grows through relationships and shared experiences
- Feeling included builds confidence and trust
- Children thrive when they feel seen, known and valued
Through a child's eyes...
“I feel safe to be myself when I know I belong and I know I matter.”
In everyday moments...
Children develop a sense of belonging through the small experiences that help them feel recognised, included and connected. Everyday moments such as hearing their name, being invited to participate and sharing familiar routines help children feel they are an important part of family and community life.
Simple ideas to try
- Include your child in everyday tasks like cooking, shopping or setting the table
- Create family rituals children can look forward to
- Use their name warmly and often
- Notice and acknowledge their contributions
Building through relationships...
Children develop belonging through relationships where they feel accepted, valued and understood. Feeling known by others helps children build confidence, identity and trust in the people around them.
Simple ideas to try
- Show genuine curiosity about your child's ideas and interests
- Celebrate strengths, efforts and unique qualities
- Create one-on-one moments of connection
- Help children feel heard and included in conversations
Learning through play...
Play gives children opportunities to explore connection, friendship and their place within a group. Through role play, shared experiences and cooperative play, children begin to understand what it means to belong with others.
Simple ideas to try
- Explore family and community role play
- Create opportunities for cooperative games
- Read stories about friendship and belonging
- Encourage play that reflects children's cultures, interests and experiences
Creating supportive spaces...
Children feel a stronger sense of belonging when environments reflect who they are and what matters to them. Familiar objects, meaningful experiences and spaces that acknowledge children's identities help create connection and comfort.
Simple ideas to try
- Display family photos and children's work
- Create spaces where children can revisit and explore meaningful experiences
- Reflect children's interests both indoors and outdoors
Supporting children across contexts...
At home ...
Children develop a stronger sense of belonging when the important adults in their lives share understanding and connection. Sharing routines, interests and strategies with educators helps children experience consistency across the people and places that matter most.
Simple ideas to try
- Share routines that help your child feel secure
- Talk about your child's strengths and interests
- Let others know about important changes at home
- Share strategies that help your child feel supported
In early learning settings...
Children develop belonging when educators and families work together to create continuity across the places in their lives. Shared understandings and respectful partnerships help children feel recognised, connected and secure.
Simple ideas to try
- Learn about children's home experiences and interests
- Invite family voice into the learning environment
- Create opportunities for children to see themselves reflected in the space
- Share celebrations, strengths and learning with families
Try this today...
- Tell your child one thing you noticed and appreciated about them today
- Invite your child to help with an everyday family task
- Create a small ritual that belongs just to your family
- Display a photo, drawing or special item that reflects your child
- Notice one moment your child seeks connection and pause to join them