This presentation will report on two studies related to children in Aotearoa New Zealand. First, a study that examined the effects for children of the language about sexuality and childhood used by their parents, teachers and counsellors. Second, a current study that scopes the practice of counselling in primary schools. These two studies invite analysis of the intersection of childhood, counselling and education. The presentation will examine ideas of counselling as a location for supporting children’s identity development within primary schools. Such support will be viewed through critical lenses of political, historical and cultural contexts of childhood in Aotearoa New Zealand.