And this year, it carries with it layers of new meaning, according to Children's Week Council of Australia chairperson Lesley Moreschi, with many children experiencing disconnection and the mental health impacts of ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns.

"While many of us have adeptly turned to technology, it can never be the same," she said. "The impact of COVID lockdowns and inability to physically connect in ways young children need, such as a loving cuddle from grandparents, is perpetuating children's sense of loss.

"Children build a strong reliance and trust in the familiar such as family traditions, celebrations and travelling on holidays together. For many families who live far and wide across state boundaries and continents, it's been a long time waiting.

"The limited ability to play at their favourite park, travel and plan a family holiday is hard for children to understand. Children rely on adults to put things right and keep them safe."

Mrs Moreschi said children hear and see far more than we may think, and if left to make sense of the world on their own, they can become frightened and anxious. "Carers and families attuned to children's feelings can emphasise with honesty that the world has changed, but we are finding ways to get things safely back to normal as soon as possible," she said.

"We don't always know when all the things we love to do will return to normal, and our conversations and messaging must be balanced with providing assurance and security for children that they will be OK."

Mrs Moreschi said it was vitally important for children to connect with one another and participate in their communities safely. "Connections create a sense of belonging in children, and childhood friendships are an important part of development," she said. "This Children's Week, we want to ensure that whoever you are, wherever you are, you can safely connect in a variety of digital and physical activities near you."

Communities throughout Australia will celebrate with events to mark the occasion during the week from Saturday, October 23 to Sunday, October 31. The 2021 theme is based on Article 15 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Celebrations will include traditional events at schools, local councils and early childhood services, and virtual events for kids that meet the health requirements in some states and territories.

Children's Week will be launched with a message from the federal Minister for Education and Youth Alan Tudge MP. National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds will also participate in events. For details visit childrensweek.org.au. Children's Week Council of Australia is sponsored by the federal Department of Education, Skills and Employment.