Just because a child is included doesn’t mean they feel they belong.

In this powerful episode, I dig into what belonging actually looks and feels like for children - beyond the buzzword, the policies, and the Pinterest-perfect classroom. Drawing on compelling Australian research and real-world reflection, I unpack the difference between showing up and feeling held, and how our beliefs and biases shape belonging more than we realise.

You’ll hear:

🤝 How children define belonging - and what helps them feel like they belong

🤝 The everyday language, routines and rituals that quietly send the message “you matter here”

🤝 How to navigate a child’s sense of belonging when you’re not feeling connected to them

🤝 How your inner stories about “challenging” behaviour can shape who feels worthy of belonging

🤝 6 tangible ways to bring belonging to life through environment, identity, rituals, and relationship

If you’re someone who wants to move from saying belonging matters to making it matter, this one’s for you.

Articles

Belonging in their words: Exploring early childhood perspectives using the draw, write, tell method

Starting school in Australia: What gives young children a sense of school belonging?

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If you want to be able to understand the behaviour you're seeing, decide how to respond, and adapt your approach when things don't go to plan - without constantly questioning whether you're doing behaviour "right" - click here to join us!

Doors close on October 22.

EP 49 | Belonging is More Than Inclusion: What Children Tell us Matters Most to Them

The Bloom Room: An Early Childhood Podcast

EP 49 | Belonging is More Than Inclusion: What Children Tell us Matters Most to Them