Every child deserves to feel safe, loved and supported. But many children go through hard or scary experiences during childhood. These are called Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs are stressful or traumatic events that happen before age 18. These experiences can affect a child’s health, learning, and relationships for many years. The good news is that ACEs can be prevented, and caring adults can make a big difference.1
ACEs can include: experiencing abuse or neglect, seeing violence at home or in the community, living with someone who struggles with mental illness or substance use, having a parent in jail or prison, going through a divorce or separation, and not having enough food or stable housing. These experiences can make children feel unsafe and stressed.1
When children live with long periods of stress, it can hurt their growing brains and bodies. This is called toxic stress. Toxic stress can make it harder for children to: pay attention, learn in school, make decisions, or build healthy friendships and relationships. As children grow older, ACEs can also increase the risk of: depression, anxiety, heart disease, diabetes, substance misuse, and suicide attempts. Research shows that preventing ACEs could reduce:1
- Suicide attempts in teens by up to 89%
- Misuse of prescription pain medicine by up to 84%
- Feelings of sadness and hopelessness by up to 66%
The most important thing children need is safe, stable and loving relationships. Even small moments of support can help children feel secure. Here are simple ways parents and caregivers can help:1
- Create Routines: regular meals, bedtime routines and family time help children feel safe
- Listen and Talk: let children share their feelings and know they are heard
- Ask For Help: parenting can be stressful; reaching out for support is a sign of strength
- Build Healthy Connections: support from family, friends, teachers, coaches, and neighbors helps children thrive
- Take Care of Yourself: caring for your own mental/physical health will benefit children too
Preventing ACEs is not something families should do alone. Communities, schools, healthcare providers and organizations all play a role in helping children grow up safe and healthy. When families have support, children have a better chance to succeed. Every child deserves the chance to grow up feeling safe, valued and loved. By learning about ACEs and supporting families, we can help prevent trauma before it starts. Small actions matter. A caring conversation, a helping hand, or access to support can change a child’s future.1 If you are interested in becoming an Advocate for the Innocent member and gaining access to our Resource Center ($10/month or $99/annually), visit https://advocatefortheinnocent.org/memberships/.
1 – https://www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html
2 – Image by Freepik