About the Building HOPE Series
Children are likely to experience trauma sometime throughout their life, whether that’s before, during, or after their time with us. These traumas develop from exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which can include violence, abuse, or exposure to substance use. Research has found that children who are exposed to ACEs are at an increased risk of negative effects to their mental and physical health into adulthood (learn more about ACEs research here).
HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) is a framework that recognizes the significance of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) as a means of lessening the effects of adverse childhood experiences. HOPE promotes well-being and resilience through its Four Building Blocks of HOPE, which breaks down PCEs into four categories: relationships, environment, engagement, and emotional growth.
Join us during this short series as we explore the ways in which you can support the children in your care in developing positive childhood experiences within each of the Four Building Blocks of HOPE.
Opportunities for Social & Civic Engagement
Jeannie Oestreicher
In the HOPE framework, Engagement is one of the four building blocks of Positive Childhood Experiences. From this framework, engagement means social and civic engagement. It means getting involved in our communities to make a positive difference.
There are many reasons to promote engagement with our children (and ourselves!). It obviously creates the possibility of positive change in whatever community or cause we engage in. But also, engagement creates belonging to something bigger than ourselves. It gives us a sense of purpose and feeling like they matter. Children need to experience belonging and significance, and engagement promotes both!
Let’s think through what that could look like! What are some of the social and community settings you and your child are part of? Some likely ones might be family, neighborhood, school, church, and extracurricular involvements such as sports, drama, music, girl scouts, etc. Consider which of these are true for your child and your family. These could be areas to consider where you’re already engaged and where you might begin to engage.
What are ways your child is already engaging to promote positive changes? Maybe they help their teacher pass out supplies at school or maybe they take cookies to the new neighbors that just moved in. Maybe they help you fix dinner or clean up after the family dog. Maybe they stick up for the kid struggling to make friends or plan a neighborhood fundraiser for a cause that matters to them. However they already engage in supporting their sense of belonging and significance! Keep it up!
Additionally, what are some opportunities to enhance your child’s engagement? Is there something they care about and would be motivated to help with (picking up trash because they worry about climate change)? Or is there something they are good at and enjoy doing (playing soccer and they could teach a younger child to kick that ball and make that goal).
If we give children opportunity and support their sense of capability to make a positive difference in the world, we support their belonging and their significance. We support their positive childhood experiences and their resiliency, sense of agency, and empowerment. They begin to believe that their actions and their voice matters and makes a difference. And these are internal beliefs and values that carry through life. These will continue to support their wellbeing and the wellbeing of the parts of the world that they touch. So have fun with it! It’s worth the time and effort.
Safe, Stable and Equitable Environments
Angelica Rivera
The “Environment” building block from the HOPE model highlights the importance of creating safe, stable, and nurturing spaces, which is fundamental in helping children heal from adverse experiences. This means more than just offering a physical shelter – it means building a space where children feel secure, understood, and cared for.
A safe, predictable environment can help children feel grounded, which is needed for their well-being and growth. For littles, this can look like having a consistent bedtime routine that includes a story, a cuddle, and having a nightlight on. Littles can also benefit from having toys and books that reflect their culture, interests, and experiences, which shows them that they’re valued for who they are. These predictable actions help littles feel a sense of reassurance and safety, which is especially important for children who have experienced disruptions in attachment.
It can be the same for older youth – showing interest in their favorite music or hobbies and having them decorate their room in a way that helps them express themselves shows that their thoughts and opinions are valued. This can also look like providing a quiet space where they can journal, listen to music, or relax in ways that respect their need to make their own choices and recharge independently. This age-appropriate strategy helps older kids and teens practice a sense of control in a safe environment, which can be a very healing experience especially after experiences of trauma.
Creating an equitable and emotionally safe environment can look different across age groups. Allowing children to express themselves and feel that they belong helps rebuild their trust in adults and sense of safety and self-worth. By meeting children’s needs in ways that match their age and respecting who they are, parents and service providers can make a real difference in their healing process, helping them feel seen, secure, and open to the possibility of a brighter future.
Parents and providers have a unique opportunity to shape this environment by making it warm, welcoming, and consistent. By setting routines, clear expectations, and responding to children with patience and understanding, they can help children feel valued and supported. Small, positive interactions—like showing kindness, listening attentively, and offering encouragement—can make a big difference in helping children build resilience and trust. Creating this type of environment doesn’t just provide physical safety, it also builds emotional security.
When parents and providers create a supportive, steady environment, they help children develop a stronger sense of self-worth and hope for the future. This nurturing space becomes a foundation for children to heal and build healthier relationships, highlighting the important role adults play in helping children overcome adverse experiences.
Safe and Supportive Relationships
Stephanie Nava
Safe and supportive relationships with family, adults, and peers are essential for children to develop into healthy and resilient adults. As caregivers, there are many ways in which we can create opportunities for positive childhood experiences within relationships.
Begin by reflecting on your childhood relationships. Who was there for you and how did they show you they cared? What were some key characteristics of those healthy relationships and what did you take away from them? This will help you get a sense of what may be needed for your child and support in identifying types of relationships that can be beneficial for them as well.
Next, ask your child who the important people in their life are. It’s okay to help them out if they have trouble coming up with an answer. Children are often introduced to many adults during their time, such as teachers, school counselors, or family members. Have a talk with your child and validate the connection and significance of the people they identified.
Were your child’s relationships limited or the people no longer present in their lives? Consider ways to support your child to re-establish those connections or create new ones. There are many opportunities available within the community—such as a peer, teacher or coach at school. Perhaps a community member involved with the local church or group of your child’s interest, could be potential choices. Think it through with your child and come up with a way to nurture that relationship.
As you support your child in building relationships with others, know that they don’t have to be long term or forever to have a positive effect on your child’s development and well-being. Any relationship in time– even if just one that helped your child feel cared for and safe, will contribute towards a positive childhood experience. And remember, supporting your child in this can start by simply building a relationship with you!
Contributions to the Building Hope Series were made by staff at San Diego Center for Children.