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

Abstract

<p><i>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). </i></p><p>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. </p><p>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; '<i>the welfare of the family matters</i>' (Interim Report, p. 86).</p>