At Kookaburra Kids, we often talk about the unique experiences of young people growing up in Defence and Veteran families. Sometimes, though, those experiences are best explained by the young people themselves.

Edith is 10 years old, a big sister to five-year-old James, the daughter of two soldiers…….and a Kookaburra Kid.

In her poem, ‘I Am a Child of the ADF’, Edith shares a powerful insight into what it means to grow up as part of an Australian Defence Force family.

From postings and new schools to saying goodbye to friends and spending time away from family, her words capture both the challenges and the pride that can come with Defence life.

Edith knows that experience well. She has attended five schools in her six years of schooling and recently experienced a three-year posting with her family in Timor-Leste, which she describes as one of their most challenging, but also most rewarding, postings.

She says resilience is “in my DNA”.

I am a child of the ADF

ANZAC day is a time to reflect on our parents sacrifice, but us kids of the ADF have also paid a price.

Born into a life of service having never signed the dotted line, but that’s just part of the gig and that’s all fine.

Constant change and making new friends, these are the things that never end.

Saying goodbye and travelling afar, these are the hardest things by far.

Kisses goodbye and hugs to say hi, the absence of family makes time slip by.

Lost memories and missed opportunities, the absence of routine just adds to the difficulties.

A kid of the ADF means having no choice, but a life built through resilience is something to rejoice.​​

We’re tough and we’re strong and have endured postings, but that makes us special and capable of great things.

This life can be tough but one I would not change, and for those who’ve had it easy, this might seem strange.

So next time you see a soldier, aviator or sailor, can do this for me – just one small favour?

Ask about their service but thank their family too, after all us kids of the ADF deserve a shout out too!

About the author – I am Edith – 10 years old. Sister to James – 5 years old and the daughter to two soldiers. I was born into the Army family, so resilience is in my DNA. ANZAC Day is a symbolic day for our family, and as a child of the ADF I reflect on not only my parents service, but my own sacrifices. I have been to 5 schools in my 6 years of schooling and our recent 3 year posting in Timor-Leste was the most challenging yet rewarding posting.