Tens of thousands of Australians are expected to attend Anzac Day marches and services over the weekend.

Many children will also be there with their families or school groups.

Anzac events are often very sombre and can provoke serious questions from children. This year, with conflicts raging overseas, and terrorist attacks at home, the questions may be even more serious.

How can parents and educators best approach these events that focus on grown-up topics such as war and service?

Are these events appropriate for children?

The Australian Curriculum says educators should teach children about commemorations from Year 3 – or around the age of eight or nine. In many schools, children are taught about commemorations through Anzac Day and Remembrance Day services.

These provide a chance to teach children about our history and to learn more about our community and how people participate in it.

Why are we doing this?

Whether you choose to attend these services or watch from home, it is important children understand what they are observing. Thoughtful preparation is key to making the experience meaningful and respectful.

You can start with what your child already understands about the broader purpose of Anzac commemorations.

One way to explain it is: families remember happy things together all the time, including birthdays, religious days and holidays. These are celebrations.

Commemoration........

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