Avoiding childhood trauma key for kids’ success

More than 200,000 babies are born in Florida every year. Each child holds a piece of our future in his or her hands. Each of us bears a responsibility to create a community that will strengthen families and give all children the opportunity to grow healthy and happy into adulthood.

Sadly, not all children get the best start in life. Many are exposed to household dysfunction such as domestic violence or family members who struggle with mental health or substance use disorders. Others are neglected or abused by the people they love and trust most. Experts call these and other stressful or traumatic events Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

Research tells us we carry the effects of traumatic experiences throughout our lives. Recent studies show how ACEs influen- ce brain development and often lead to physical and mental health problems. They found that ACEs are common, just under half of all children have experienced at least one, and their impact is cumulative. As a result, children who experience a higher number of ACEs are more likely to adopt risky behaviors, suffer more health problems and even have a shorter life span than their peers.

Preventing ACEs from the very beginning is the obvious and optimal response to this problem, and each of us can help through advocacy for policies that provide essential support to families and young children. All children need an environment, beginning before birth, filled with positive experiences to properly develop their physical, mental health and cognitive capabilities. It has also been recognized that the presence of at least one stable, nurturing relationship with a trusted adult can have both protective and therapeutic value for children living in families exposed to increased risks.

From the earliest days, helping young children and their families not only makes sense morally, it also financially benefits society. Children who are well-educated, in better health and living in safe, stable, nurturing homes are less likely to be involved with the juvenile justice or corrections systems. As adults they more likely to be self-sufficient, rely less on social welfare programs and raise healthy children of their own.

I urge each reader to focus on the issues affecting young children and families by educating themselves and policymakers, providing financial support, or through volunteer activity, whether as an individual or working with other organizations with similar interests.

Dr. Wil Blechman practiced medicine in Miami for 33 years. He served as Florida’s State Health Officer and as a consultant to the Florida Departments of Health and Children and Families. He developed an interest in early child development during his volunteer leadership with Kiwanis International, which he served as International President.

Blechman