What children actually remember from childhood

Provided by Sesame Lane

The Moments That Stay With Us

What stays with children are the moments that made them feel seen, loved, capable and connected.

Some of the most meaningful moments in a child’s day are often the smallest ones. Dad singing their favourite song. Someone noticing they are feeling quiet. A cuddle during rest time. The pride on their face when they master putting on their shoes independently.

These moments may seem ordinary to adults, but to children they become part of the foundation of who they are becoming.

That is why quality early childhood education is about so much more than preparing children academically. It is about nurturing confident, resilient and emotionally secure little humans who feel safe enough to take on the world.

At Sesame Lane, we often talk about creating environments where children feel they belong. Not because belonging is a buzzword, but because it shapes the way children see themselves and others long after childhood ends.

Emotional safety is built in childhood and carried through to adulthood.

Years from now, children may not remember every activity they participated in or every toy they played with. But they will remember how the important adults in their lives made them feel.

And perhaps that is what childhood has always been about.

Children Remember How We Made Them Feel

Emotional safety does not come from grand gestures or constant entertainment. It is built quietly through consistency, responsiveness and connection.

For children, emotional safety often looks like predictable routines, calm voices, eye contact and adults who genuinely listen when they speak.

It comes from knowing someone will comfort them when they are upset and celebrate with them when they succeed.

A Full Circle Childhood

My name is Angel and I am now an Educator at Sesame Lane Kippa Ring Anzac Avenue, but my journey with Sesame Lane began long before my career did.

As a child, I attended Sesame Lane Clontarf from 2006 and still remember so many of the moments that made my childhood feel special.

When I think back to those years, the memories come flooding back. The fun, the laughter, the friendships and most importantly, the feeling of being genuinely loved and cared for by my Educators.

One memory I still clearly remember was when I was around four years old. A group of us had been building a fort outside using big cardboard boxes and loose pieces we had collected around the playground.

I remember one of my Educators, Miss Therese, sitting down on the ground with us, helping tape boxes together and pretending the fort was our little house. We spent what felt like hours laughing, decorating it and making up stories together.

I still remember how special it felt that she was not just watching us play, but genuinely joining in with us.

To an adult it may have seemed like such a small moment, but to me it felt magical, important and full of connection.

When I started school, I continued attending Sesame Lane Kippa Ring School Zone and remember looking forward to going there each afternoon to spend time with my friends and the Educators who had become such an important part of my life. They made me feel safe, accepted and valued.

Memories shape lives

Another memory that has always stayed with me is seeing my Sesame Lane Educators attend my Year 6 graduation. They cared so deeply about the children they supported and truly celebrated the milestones alongside our families.

As I grew older, I realised just how much those experiences shaped me. I had so many memories connected to love, belonging, encouragement and fun that I knew I wanted to build a career in Early Childhood Education so I could become part of that experience for other children too.

In 2020, while still in high school, I returned to Sesame Lane as a school based trainee and completed my Certificate III in Children’s Services. I then continued my studies and completed my Diploma in Children’s Services in December 2025.

Now, as an Educator myself, I understand even more clearly how the smallest moments can leave the biggest impact on a child’s life.

I feel incredibly grateful to now be part of creating those memories for the next generation of children.

And now, as I prepare to welcome my own child into the world, it means so much knowing Sesame Lane will continue to be part of my family’s story, just as it has been since I was a little girl myself.

Emotional safety grows when children feel accepted not only when they are happy, but also when they are frustrated, emotional, nervous or still learning how to regulate big feelings.

Children are constantly forming beliefs about themselves through the responses of the adults around them.

When adults respond with patience, warmth and genuine interest, children begin to internalise powerful messages.

This is why connection is so important in the early years. Long before children remember lessons or routines, they are developing their sense of self through thousands of everyday interactions.

What Children Actually Remember From Childhood

We remember feelings.

We remember the people who made us feel safe.

The adults who got down to our level and listened.

The smell of baking in the kitchen.

The excitement of running barefoot outside.

The comfort of a hug after a hard goodbye.

The feeling of belonging somewhere.

Ready to Discover the Sesame Lane Difference?

Families are warmly invited to visit their local Sesame Lane to meet the team and experience firsthand what makes their early learning community so special.

To learn more, book a tour or find your nearest centre, visit www.sesamelane.com.au and take the first step toward joining a community where emotional safety comes first.

This article is part of the Bright Futures: Schools Special Feature, read more stories in our local education guide. 

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Sesame Lane and proudly endorsed by Moreton Daily. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make Moreton Daily possible.