I answer my kids as honestly as possible, but in an age appropriate way. And because I have three kids, I have to be mindful that anything I say to my eldest is likely to be repeated to my youngest! I find picture books or simple chapter books can be really handy to explain complicated things in an appropriate way.

To be honest I’m somewhat confused myself about Anzac day and have many questions about it, let alone how hard this must be to understand for our kids at times. My confusion is about the Aboriginal inheritance and how we dispossessed their land, but maybe this is not on the mind of our kids.
For my youngest who has a delay I often google for YouTube video’s about the topic, there are many out there which can be helpful.

I find that there are so many children’s books that are written by or approved by child psychologist and experts that go over most sensitive topics. It can be hard answering questions but keeping it at their level. For Anzac Day in particular, I would focus on bravery and helping people.

There are actually some fantastic children’s books about ANZAC day. One of my favourites is called ANZAC Ted. It’s about a bear that was given to a soldier by his sweetheart. It’s a lovely picture book story, very well written with beautiful artworks. I would highly recommend. You could always let them go to a March afterwards too.

I think for us it was a little easier as I spent a significant amount of time in the Army but I just explained it to my 5 year old that ANZAC Day gives our country a chance to take a day to think about the brave men and women that went to other countries and also stayed in our country to look after us and keep us safe during different wars. I avoided the more confronting talks and kept it to more of a focus on what the job of our Defence force and also the one my son loves hearing about is how the different animals play a role in protecting our country

Your child’s school would have some good resources for age-appropriate information around ANZAC day. In regard to answering your child’s questions I have always been honest with my children at level appropriate to their development.