In life, everyone experiences varying levels of challenges and resilience is the ability to bounce back from those challenges. There are several elements that can be predictors of resilience. One, is luck: an individual's life may unfold in a way that they have less obstacles, less stress, and fewer environmental threats.  Another element is psychological: resilient children may “meet the world on their own terms.” They are autonomous and independent, and innately, they believe that they, and not their circumstances, affect their achievements. However, even some resilient children may experience multiple strong stressors at vulnerable points and are overwhelmed until their resilience just evaporates.  As a community, we can cushion the impact of adversity in a child’s life and grow resilience through positive experiences, supportive environments and the caring intervention of others.

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are risk factors that may put youth at higher risk for maladaptive behaviors such as substance use and delinquency compared to youth for whom those risk factors are not present. 

Protective factors are the opposite of ACEs.  They are the skills, strengths or resources that help shield individuals from the development of undesirable health conditions and enhance their capacity to cope. For example, adequate sleep is an important element in protecting someone against symptoms of mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.  The single strongest protective factor in helping children succeed despite adversity is having a supportive, stable relationship with at least one caring adult.  

While parents and caregivers may not have the capacity or be the most appropriate adult to provide a nurturing relationship to children with ACEs, YOU can be that person. 

Not a superhero… an everyday hero.