u003cpu003eu003ca href=u0022https://pcaaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/HOPE-Report-cover.pngu0022u003eu003cimg class=u0022 wp-image-9253 alignleftu0022 src=u0022https://pcaaz.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/HOPE-Report-cover.pngu0022 alt=u0022u0022 width=u0022265u0022 height=u0022341u0022 /u003eu003c/au003ePositive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) are experiences in childhood that build a child’s sense of belongingness and connection. u003ca href=u0022https://cssp.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Balancing-ACEs-with-HOPE-FINAL.pdfu0022u003eNew researchu003c/au003e shows that PCEs predict positive outcomes, including a child’s good health (now and in adulthood) and success in school. PCEs also help buffer the negative effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), meaning that even if a child has experienced hard things, like witnessing domestic violence, being bullied, losing a parent, or even abuse, experiencing PCEs can protect children from developing long-term negative effects from these traumas. Long-term negative effects of childhood trauma include a higher likelihood of developing depression, being obese, smoking, and generally poor health.u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eThe list of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) are:u003c/pu003ernu003colu003erntu003cliu003eFeel able to talk with family about your feelingsu003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eFeel that your family stood by you during difficult timesu003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eEnjoy participating in community traditionsu003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eFeel a sense of belonging in high schoolu003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eFeel supported by friendsu003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eHave at least two non-parent adults who took a genuine interest in youu003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eFeel safe and protected by an adult in your homeu003c/liu003ernu003c/olu003ernu003cpu003eThe more PCEs a child has, the more likely they are to be healthy and resilient.u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWhat can parents do to promote PCEs in their kids?u003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eThe study found that children are better able to be resilient, succeed in school and have better health outcomes when their parents could u003cemu003ediscuss things that mattered with their childrenu003c/emu003e, when parents u003cemu003eparticipated in their child’s activities and knew their friendsu003c/emu003e, and when u003cemu003eparents managed their own stress around parentingu003c/emu003e.u003c/pu003ernu003cpu003eu003cstrongu003eWhat can the community do to promote PCEs?u003c/strongu003eu003c/pu003ernu003culu003erntu003cliu003eVolunteer your time mentoring a child (such as with Big Brothers Big Sisters or by being a Court-Appointed Special Advocate)u003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eMake a monetary gift to organizations that support families, children, and/or teens, like the Launch Pad, Arizona’s Children Association, or the u003ca href=u0022http://yfac.org/u0022u003eYavapai Family Advocacy Centeru003c/au003e.u003c/liu003erntu003cliu003eShow up to events in your community. Wherever you go, you can be a positive influence on children and families by treating people with kindness. You never know who might need the strength you have to offer.u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003cpu003eTo view the full research study on PCEs, “Balancing Adverse Childhood Experiences with HOPE” go to u003ca href=u0022https://cssp.org/resource/balancing-aces-with-hope-final/u0022u003ehttps://cssp.org/resource/balancing-aces-with-hope-final/u003c/au003eu003c/pu003e
