Positive Childhood Experiences help build resilience, belonging, and well-being. During the holidays—when stress, financial strain, and family pressures can increase—communities can intentionally create environments that support connection, safety, and joy for all children.

Below are practical, inclusive strategies organized around the seven PCEs identified in the HOPE framework (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences).

1. Create Opportunities for Nurturing, Supportive Relationships

• Host intergenerational events such as craft days, storytelling circles, or cooking nights with volunteers paired with kids.
• Encourage mentorship initiatives during school breaks—“holiday buddies” who check in with youth.
• Provide calm, supervised spaces at community events where overwhelmed children can decompress with supportive adults.

2. Foster a Sense of Belonging in a Multicultural Community

From ACEs to HOPE: A New Chapter in Healing and Thriving

For years, I have been sharing the science of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) with anyone who will listen. And I mean anyone—professionals, community leaders, parents, neighbors, faith groups—because this research matters. It gives us language and understanding for something many of us have carried silently for too long. ACEs research shows us, in undeniable terms, how early adversity impacts lifelong health and well-being. Knowing this changes the way we see ourselves, our families, and our communities.

But ACEs is only the beginning of the story.
The question I hear so often is: “Now what?”

That’s where the newest research on Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) comes in—and I couldn’t be more excited to be certified to facilitate HOPE Sessions (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences). This is the “what next.” This is the part of the story that shifts us from simply understanding trauma to building resilience, connection, and healing.