Click the link below  to see a  collection of children's literature, fictional & non-fictional books, relatable to everything from the ground to your plate!!  

A list of great resources of literature, useful to aid in the education of gardening, sustainability and healthy living. 

o   Some families come from low socio-economic backgrounds which can have a substantial impact on their standard of living resulting in financial stress due to the insufficient resources to support their minimum standard of living. This can affect a child’s nutrition due to the family unable to provide quality food for their children such as fresh organic produce which can be quite expensive and certain grocery stores. Thus, resulting in families to invest in processes and packaged foods that are unhealthy.

·         Parental health status

o   Some children may have a parent or family member that is chronically ill which can be stressful for children and have a negative effect on their health and wellbeing. Due to this the family may be unable to provide physical, emotional or economic needs for their children which can have a long-term effect on the child’s mental health and behavioural problems. Another issue is that some families have no regard for their health and due to this decision, it can affect their child’s health as well.

·         Child abuse and neglect

o   Some children are privileged to grow up in safe family environments, whereas some are abused and/or neglected which can cause significant and long-term harm to them. This can be from a result of the family possessing poor social and academic skills, being a criminal offender or having mental health issues such as substance abuse and depression.

·         Depression and anxiety

o   Every family experiences difficulties and challenges which can result in depression and anxiety on behalf both the child and their parent’s, this can occur from specific life events (family breakups, loss and transitions), child’s family circumstances and living environment (relationship with parents or carers, family poverty and discrimination) and within a child (family history of mental health, natural abilities and temperament).

·         Obesity

o   Some children are victims to childhood obesity which is a growing concern in Australia, they are often victimised and teased by their peers which can contribute to poor peer relationships and psychological wellbeing. Children who are overweight or obese are at greater risks of health disorders such as coronary heart disease and many more.

Solutions to the risk factors:
·         Mandatory Duty of Report

o   Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals are now mandated by law Child Protection Act 1999 to report child safety concerns to the department, where there is a reasonable suspicion that the child has suffered, is suffering, or is at unacceptable risk of suffering, significant harm caused by physical or sexual abuse, and there is not a parent willing and able to protect the child from harm. 

·         Providing families with contacts for counselling and online resources

o   Educators can provide families contacts for guidance counselling to their counsellor or provide alternate contacts and information from reliable sources for counselling. Educators could also direct families to their private specialist for health check-ups and if this is not an option for them suggest them going to bulk billed doctors and if this also is not an option for the family provide them online resources to medically certified health websites. 

·         Encouraging daily physical activities within the curriculum

o   Physical education (P.E) is a subject within the curriculum that encourages daily physical activities for children that is an important component in leading to a healthy lifestyle. P.E promotes healthy growth and development, it relieves stress and promotes relaxation, helps achieve and maintain healthy weight, builds strong bones and muscles for children and many more. Another great way for educators and families to become healthy is to refer to the Australian Dietary Guideline which provided recommended daily intakes for toddlers and adolescents.

·         Providing information on local community support

o   Educators could provide information on local community support for families that struggle financial hardship. Lifeline Australia, St Vincent de Paul Society, The Salvation Army Australia and many more.