Do you feel better after you’ve spent time in the park, walking in the woods, or along the beach? Time in nature can help counteract some of the key impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).  Doctors are starting to study the benefits of spending time in nature. Early results show that time in nature reduces stress hormones, like cortisol, in our body, increases attention, and improves our mood. You are also more likely to be engaged in physical activity or spending time strengthening your supportive relationships when you are outside. Remember, physical activity promotes nerve gr ..read more

We all need a counselor sometimes. In addition to discussing life issues with your best friend, partner, or Priest/Pastor, consider connecting with a trained professional who can share strategies that have been tested.  There’s a strong link between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and mental and emotional health problems. According to the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, children between 3 and 5 who have lived through traumatic events are far more likely to have trouble calming themselves down. They also are likely to have trouble staying focused or making and keeping friends. The ef ..read more

Kids today are bombarded with ads for junk food and tempted by sugary cereals and snacks in cartoon-covered boxes—no wonder encouraging them to eat healthy, nutritious foods can be a challenge. The struggle can be even tougher if a child is under severe stress. At any age, stress can break down good intentions and self-control, sending a person down a path of unhealthy choices. Over time, stress eating can lead to obesity, mood and sleep problems, and other health issues. The good news is that there are a few simple things you can do to help young bodies and brains get the right nutrition to o ..read more

It all starts here. All families go through some adversity. For some families, however, the trauma is too severe or too frequent for a child to cope with. If you’re a parent in this situation, fostering supportive relationships is the best thing you can do to help your child. When a child is stressed too often or for a long period of time, her body may react with what is called a “toxic stress” response. Without the right support from a trusted caregiver, this toxic stress response can harm a child’s developing brain and body. But the good news is that children can avoid this fate—and you can ..read more

Good sleep habits play a big role in children’s mental and physical health as well as their overall well-being. Children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may have an especially hard time getting enough sleep. Paying special attention to your child’s sleep can be an important step toward helping them cope with hardships from their past. Research shows that children who get the right amount of sleep are sick less frequently, have less trouble with focus and behavior at school, and manage stress more easily. Here are some ideas to help your children get a good night’s sle ..read more

When it comes to kids and stress, exercise may be just what the doctor ordered. Physical activity is a great way for children to manage stress and to ease feelings of anxiety and depression. It can even change brain architecture for the better. Researchers suggest that exercise may fight depression partly by expanding brain volume in an area of the brain associated with memory, learning and emotion. Exercise can also fight the effects of toxic stress. It reduces the risk of obesity and other stress-related health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. In addition, daily physical activity ..read more

What exactly is mindfulness? It’s best understood in the example of eating an apple. Mindfully eating an apple would be paying attention to the color of an apple before you take a bite, and paying attention to the smell, texture and taste of the apple as you’re eating it, perhaps even how many times you chew before swallowing. Mindfulness can be especially useful for children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).  Children exposed to ACEs may have more difficulty with impulse control when faced with stressful situations. Mindfulness exercises can really help.Mindful ..read more

Children exposed to ACEs may have more difficulty with impulse control when faced with stressful situations. Mindfulness exercises can really help. Mindful parenting can help improve your child’s behavior and build their resilience. Here’s a quick mindfulness exercise to incorporate into your own day, and one to work on with your kids: How to self-regulate when facing a challenging situation: 1. Stop. Ask yourself: What am I feeling right now? 2. Take a Breath. Ask yourself: “Am I breathing too fast right now or holding my breath? Can I take a deep breath?” 3. Observe. Ask yourself: “What else ..read more

Researchers are just beginning to take a deep look at sleep disorders in children with Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). However, over the last 20 years, studies have found an association between ACEs and multiple sleep disorders in adulthood, according to a systematic review in Sleep Medicine published in 2015. The sleep disorders ranged from distressing nightmares, sleep paralysis, narcolepsy (uncontrollable sleep attacks during the day), sleep apnea (a condition in which breathing during sleep stops for more than 10 seconds), and psychiatric sleep disorders. In addition, children with A ..read more

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