Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs)

ACEs, PCEs & Toxic Stress

Airplane, playful and happy with family in living room for bonding, affectionate and support.

Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) are the everyday moments that help children feel loved, supported, and safe. Sharing meals with family, talking to a trusted friend, celebrating traditions, or having an adult who listens and believes in them all strengthen resilience.

WHY IT MATTERS

Positive connections help protect children and youth against the harmful effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and set the stage for healthier families and communities across generations.

Department of Health Care Services
Positive Childhood Experiences: Ability to talk with family about feelings, Feeling support from friends, Sense that family is supportive during difficult times, Feeling of belonging in high school, Enjoyment of participation in community traditions, Feeling safe and protected by an adult in the home, Having at least two non-parent adults who genuinely cared, Just one caring, safe relationship early in life.

Build a Stronger Future

It’s not easy bringing light to the darker parts of our journey, but we do it with one goal in mind: to create a future for our children that’s built on love, resilience, and connection. By choosing healing over silence, and investing every resource into nurturing bonds, we’re sowing seeds of hope and strength for the next generation—one day, one choice, and one connection at a time.

Tools for Parents and Caregivers

Live Beyond PCEs Poster and Palm Card

Our Live Beyond ACEs awareness campaign has many resources, including these posters and palm card, that you can share with your family, friends, and community. Resources may also be available in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

Other Campaign Resources