Image of an Aboriginal teen girl smiling at her mother as they cook dinner together.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people need our support, as parents and carers, to help them thrive. We can help them improve their social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB), learn about their culture and history and develop pride in who they are.

These resources were produced through a partnership with Cox Inall Ridgeway, an Aboriginal social change agency. These articles have been written and reviewed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander mum smiling with two teenage kids

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and teenagers

As a parent or carer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and teens, you can support them to improve their social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB).

aboriginal dad and two teens talking holding a surfboard

How to talk to your child about social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB)

Social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB) is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander way of holistically viewing health in body and mind. Learn how to talk to young people about SEWB.

three aboriginal and torres strait islander parents carers smiling and talking to one young person

Help your teen build pride in their Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander culture

Culture is an important part of social and emotional wellbeing (SEWB). Help your young person learn about their culture and be proud of who they are.

Gregory and Sam Stubbs standing side by side and smiling

How to help young mob stand tall

Wangkatha man Gregory, and his sons Ben and Sam, share their tips for building self-belief and confidence in young mob.

Close-up of an Aboriginal girl's hands as she is preparing threads for weaving baskets and bracelets.

Yarn with an expert: How mob mindfulness can help your teen feel strong

Hear from Darug/Dharawal woman and mental health expert Jenny Holmes on how teens can practise mob mindfulness and strengthen their connection to Country.

Supporting your teen through public debate illustration

How to support First Nations young people when their identity is in the news

Learn more about how public debate can impact your teen’s social and emotional wellbeing, and what you can do to empower, guide and support them.

Aboriginal woman hugging grandchild (1)

A yarn with Gamilaroi/Wailwan woman Shaan Peeters about supporting yourself and your kin

Gamilaroi/Wailwan woman Shaan Peeters talks about the importance of community resilience and connection to culture and Country.

mother and son hugging in park

Kylie's story: the importance of role models in her teen's life

Read about how Kylie found mentors for her son Jarrod in their Aboriginal community, and the impact they've had on their lives.

indigenous mum standing with her teen daughter outside

6 activities to celebrate Indigenous culture with your teen

Here are a few fun ways to celebrate Indigenous culture with your teen through community events, art and culture.

illustration of parent and young aboriginal person

Interview with a professional: A yarn with David Widders on family, caring for kids and seeking support

We interviewed David Widders, a proud Anaiwan man, on his experience as a foster parent caring for Aboriginal young people.

two aboriginal women talking and smiling

Changing the story: Turning around lateral violence

Learn how to turn it around and help your young person move past the lateral violence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and turn it into love and healing.

Related topics

Teaching your teens resilienceSupporting effective communication with your teenThe importance of culture for your teenager
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        Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

        We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

        We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

        ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

              Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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