The 'invisibility of children' of veterans needs to stop - let's support their wellbeing instead

Many educators teach children from Australian Defence Force (ADF) families, or those that have transitioned from active service and are now veterans. Over 5 per cent of households have at least one person who is currently serving or has previously served (a veteran).

Given that 13 per cent of veterans need support with basic activities of self-care, understanding the potential vulnerabilities and trauma some of these families face is important for supporting these children in our early childhood settings.

The Interim Report from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide has given a new platform to what military family researchers have been saying for decades; 'the welfare of the family matters' (Interim Report, p. 86).