ACEs are Adverse Childhood Experiences that are potentially traumatic. These experiences could look like an emergency medical condition, physical abuse, sexual abuse, bullying, a natural disaster, the loss of a family member and so much more. ACEs can lead to negative mental, physical, and emotional effects on a child or youth that if left unaddressed, can result in mood changes, difficulty in school, sickness, anxiety, depression, etc. Children in foster care often carry ACE’s due to the neglect and abuse they experienced, the abrupt separation from their family or home, and frequency of moves while in the system. Yet, there is hope! As a parent or caregiver, there are several steps you can take to help a child overcome ACE’s.  

Steps to Help Your Child Heal 

1.) Use early intervention through counseling, educating yourself as a parent, and building a strong support system.  

2.) Attend and implement Trauma-Informed Care. Learning to care for a child who has been through negative experiences can take patience and nuance, but Trauma- Informed Care teaches practical ways to connect with our child through a new lens.

3.) Help your child build resilience. If a child can find positive coping skills and self-regulation during events and interactions, they are better equipped to fight the effects of their trauma. 

4.) Build a healthy support system through school programs, family members, and friends who are sensitive to what your child has experienced but who empower and encourage you and your child on this healing journey. 

Ongoing Care 

Experiencing ACEs doesn’t have to define or limit your child from becoming all that they were created by God to be—Healing is possible! Creating positive memories with your child and allowing them to consistently feel seen and heard has the power to overshadow ACEs and lessen their effects. As you work to help your child heal, remember to remain calm and present when they are going through big emotions, and to be patient as they learn to communicate what they need and how you can help. And of course, don’t forget to take time for yourself to fill your cup and practice self-care as you show up daily for your child. 

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matthew 9:36 

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The Brain’s Response

The brain is a complex organ made up of many parts, one of them being the amygdala. After trauma is experienced, this part of the brain begins to overwork and go into “survival mode,” which can oftentimes create more anxiety or stress. The part of the brain used for regulating emotions and retrieving memory is also negatively affected when trauma has played a part in someone’s life. Even traumatic events can seem fragmented due to memory loss.  Because of higher cortisol and adrenaline as a stress response, the body can undergo higher blood pressure, increased heart rate, sweating, gastrointestinal problems, hypotension, cardiovascular problems, and more. 

Steps to Reduce The Effects of Trauma

Although the impact of trauma on the brain can seem overwhelming and a bit daunting to try to counteract, here are a few steps you can implement to reduce its effects and strengthen your child’s resilience:

1.) Create a safe and open environment where children feel safe and supported   

2.) Encourage your children to have open communication and express their feelings 

3.) Seeing a trauma-informed therapist helps children develop healthy coping mechanisms

4.) Establish daily routines 

5.) Promote self-care 

Final Thoughts

When caring for kids who have experienced trauma, it’s important to remember that the healing process takes time. Take each day as it comes and be patient with yourself and your child. The path of helping children heal is both a messy yet beautifully redemptive journey. Be kind to yourself in this process!  

“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.” – Jeremiah 33:6 

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