A decade of enhancing nurturing relationships

From the moment a life begins, strong relationships with caring adults help children feel nurtured and secure. These bonds build confidence, emotional resilience, and lifelong learning skills. For a decade, through First 5 Forever, libraries have supported families in fostering secure, nurturing connections. Research shows positive interactions boost language, self-regulation, and problem-solving, laying the foundation for future success.

This month we’ve chosen to spotlight three library programs that support nurturing and secure relationships.

When men read, it’s a different story is a campaign that ran at city of Gold Coast City Libraries, encouraging men to read with young children, highlighting the positive impact this has on children’s development. Did you know that on average for a child aged 24 months, 59% of mums read to their children daily, while only 26% of dads do? Also, children who were read to by their dad at age 2, have better language skills by aged 4?

Baby storytime parent kits were created by Western Downs Libraries supporting parents, as first teachers, to build their confidence to talk, read, sing, and play with their baby at home. Kits include a board book, words to songs and rhymes, and a tips & tricks sheet.

The Playtime passport developed by Fraser Coast Libraries includes 24 activities that encourage families to talk, read, sing, and play with their children, to build a strong foundation for a lifetime of growth and development. 

This year we’re celebrating ten years of First 5 Forever in Queensland!

That’s ten years of talking, reading, singing and playing with babies, young children and their families to help build and protect the brains of our littlest Queenslanders.

Whether you’ve discovered First 5 Forever at your local library or on our website, you’ll know that we’re all about creating opportunities for families and caregivers to support their child’s learning, development and wellbeing through free, fun, playful experiences.

How has your library strengthened nurturing relationships? We'd love to hear your story! Share it in the comments.