Think back to your childhood. What memories shaped who you are today?  Maybe it was a big soccer win or a pajama party with your best friends. Now think about the adults who made a difference along the way: teachers, coaches, grandparents, neighbors, librarians or extended relatives. Their support mattered, and research shows it made a lasting impact.  

For kids facing tough times, especially those experiencing family separation, having more caring adults outside their parents helps buffer the effects of trauma and stress. This is why kinship care—when a child is cared for by relatives or close family friends—is so powerful. It keeps kids connected to their family, culture, and community, giving them stability and love when they need it most.

In South Carolina, more than 28% of children in foster care are placed with kinship caregivers. These grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends step up in extraordinary ways. In this guest blog from our friends at Children's Trust of South Carolina, let's recognize and celebrate the people who provide comfort and familiarity during what can be a confusing and scary time in a child’s life.

Adverse Childhood Experiences

Adverse childhood experiences, commonly known as ACEs, are traumatic events that occur in a child’s life before the age of 18. These adversities include abuse, neglect and household dysfunction, such as divorce, incarceration of a parent, homelessness, mental illness or substance abuse within the family. Additionally, community or environmental stressors like poverty, community violence and natural disasters can contribute to childhood trauma.

The ACEs study connected the impact of traumatic childhood experiences on adult health issues, including injuries, mental health concerns, chronic diseases, risky behaviors and more. You can learn more about the ACEs study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The good news is that additional studies prove that other factors, like positive childhood experiences, can mitigate the negative effects of ACEs.

Positive Childhood Experiences

Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) are the foundation for healthy development and lifelong well-being. These experiences include having strong, supportive relationships with parents, caregivers, and peers; feeling safe at home, in school, and in the community; and having opportunities to learn, grow, and play in nurturing environments. Just as negative experiences can cause long-term challenges, positive experiences can build resilience and help children thrive.

Research shows that PCEs buffer the effects of stress and adversity, supporting mental and physical health throughout a child’s life. Children who feel loved, valued and supported are more likely to develop confidence, build strong social connections, and succeed in school and beyond. These experiences lay the groundwork for emotional regulation, problem-solving skills and a hopeful outlook. But what are examples of these positive experiences, and how can you ensure the children in your life encounter them?

Building Positive Childhood Experiences for Kids

Positive childhood experiences play a crucial role in every child’s development throughout their formative years. Below are the seven positive childhood experiences, as identified by PCE research:

• Feeling safe and protected by an adult in the home
• Family stood by them during difficult times
• Sense of belonging in high school
• Supported by friends
• Being able to talk about their feelings
• Enjoyment when participating in community traditions and activities
• Two or more non-parent adults took a genuine interest in them

Community members can make a big difference in the lives of kids around them by participating in neighborhood activities, volunteering with local organizations or school programs, donating time or resources to support kids and families, and providing a safe space for cousins, nieces, nephews, or friends’ children in their lives. While kinship care is one way to create a secure environment for a child, it can also be as simple as being intentional about the time you spend together.

Fostering positive experiences in everyday interactions with families, schools, and communities can create a lasting impact. Every small moment of connection adds up, helping children develop into healthy, resilient adults who can pass those strengths to the next generation. How will you support a child in your life this month?