The power of love: Building resilience after childhood trauma 

With Positive Childhood Experiences, we can foster children’s healing, mitigate the effects of ACEs and help every child build a bright, resilient future.  

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) 

Before we explore the power of positive experiences for children, it’s important to understand Adverse Childhood Experiences—traumatic events that occur in a child’s life before they turn 18.  

Typically categorized into three main groups—abuse, neglect and household dysfunction—ACEs threaten the well-being of children around the world.  

Examples of ACEs include:   

— Physical, sexual or emotional abuse  

— Physical or emotional neglect  

— Substance use at home  

— Loss of a friend or family member  

— Separation from parental figures (e.g. divorce, incarceration, death, abandonment)  

— Homelessness or moving frequently  

— Food insecurity  

— Lack of access to health care  

— Witnessing violence in the community or country  

ACEs trigger toxic stress, which is the prolonged or repeated activation of the body’s stress response system. Without the presence of a loving, trusted adult to help a child regulate this response, healthy brain and body development are severely disrupted.  

Learn more about how childhood trauma shapes lifelong health. 

But research is showing us that positive experiences are significant buffers against these negative outcomes and help children heal and build resilience, even after experiencing trauma. 

What are Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)? 

Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) include the safe, stable and nurturing relationships a child forms with family, friends, and others in their community 

These relationships build resiliency, encourage healthy brain development and alleviate the effects of toxic stress—even for children who have experienced multiple ACEs.  

And research continues to highlight that PCEs have a multiplying effect. The more positive experiences a child has, the better their adult mental and physical health is likely to be. 

Common examples of PCEs include: 

— Family connection: Viewing family—including adoptive or nontraditional family structures—as a reliable source of support. 

— Community belonging: Enjoying participation in community traditions and feeling connected to cultural or neighborhood activities. 

— School engagement: Experiencing a genuine sense of belonging at school and feeling supported by teachers. 

— Peer relationships: Feeling accepted and supported by friends. 

— Adult mentorship: Having at least two non-parent adults who take an interest in child’s well-being. 

— Safety and protection: Feeling safe and protected by an adult in the home. 

Discover more resources on healing from childhood trauma. 

Why do Positive Childhood Experiences matter?  

The science behind PCEs is compelling. These experiences don’t just boost children’s feelings in the moment—they literally change how their brains develop and function. 

Loving relationships help children regulate stress hormones, strengthen neural pathways in the prefrontal cortex (the area of the brain responsible for decision-making and emotional regulation) and equip them with the coping skills they need to heal. 

The lifelong benefits of PCEs:  

— Foster healing from traumatic events and build resiliency for future stressors. PCEs equip children with the tools—like healthy coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills and emotional regulation strategies—they need to navigate adverse experiences later in life. 

— Improve mental and physical health in adulthood. PCEs are linked with lower rates of mental health challenges, reduced risk of chronic disease, stronger immune system function and more. Meaning—the positive impacts of growing up in a safe, loving family can last a lifetime! 

— Enhance social-emotional skills and self-worth. PCEs help children develop critical life skills like empathy, trust, healthy communication, emotional regulation and the ability to form and maintain successful interpersonal relationships. Plus, when children know they are valued, loved and supported, they develop a fundamental belief that they are worthy of love and capable of achieving their goals. 

How you can give children the PCEs they need to build a brighter future 

Every child deserves to grow up safe, loved and encouraged.  

But this holiday season, a child is alone, scared, vulnerable and facing the trauma of abandonment, abuse or neglect. They have one, simple wish: to be loved. 

You have the power this winter to send the positive relationships they desperately need to heal and thrive. 

When you sponsor a child or donate to SOS Children’s Villages, you’re providing more than their basic needs—like food, quality education, professional health care and clothing—you’re giving children the loving, stable relationships that research shows can transform their entire future. 

Because love matters. 

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