You Are Making a Difference

Stepping into the role of a kinship caregiver is a journey filled with love, resilience, and deep purpose. You may not have planned for this role, but here you are—offering a child the stability and care they need to heal.

Children who have faced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)—like neglect, trauma, or loss—carry those experiences in ways that can shape their emotions, behaviors, and even their health. But here’s the incredible part: you have the power to help them heal.

The simple, loving moments you share each day—the bedtime stories, the warm meals, the reassuring hugs—are more powerful than you may realize. These moments are called Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), and they can rewrite a child’s story in ways that go far beyond the present.

Why PCEs Matter More Than You Think

Science has shown that a nurturing, supportive environment doesn’t just help a child feel safe—it can change how their brain and body respond to stress, relationships, and challenges.

Even if a child has experienced ACEs, PCEs can act as a protective shield, reducing the long-term effects of early trauma and helping them build resilience. And what’s truly amazing is that these positive experiences don’t have to be grand or complicated.

They’re found in the little things:

• A consistent routine that makes life feel predictable and safe.
• A listening ear when big feelings arise.
• Encouragement to explore, play, and dream.
• Gentle reassurance that they are loved, no matter what.

How Love Changes More Than Just the Heart: The Role of Epigenetics

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Love changes everything”? Well, science proves it’s true.

Epigenetics is the study of how experiences can influence the way genes are expressed. While ACEs can affect a child’s stress response, PCEs can help “turn on” genes that promote healing, emotional regulation, and resilience.

This means that the care you provide isn’t just helping your child feel better—it’s supporting their body and brain in ways that can last a lifetime.

Ways You Can Create Healing Experiences Every Day

You don’t have to be perfect. What matters most is showing up with love, patience, and consistency. Here are some simple ways to create PCEs in your home:

💖 Build Connection Through Small Moments

• Daily check-ins: “How was your day? What was something good that happened?”
• Snuggle up for a bedtime story or a favorite movie.
• Show interest in their passions—whether it’s music, art, or silly jokes.

🏡 Create a Safe and Predictable Environment

• Keep routines steady, even when life feels unpredictable.
• Use calm, reassuring words when they’re struggling.
• Let them know they are always safe with you.

🗣 Help Them Express and Regulate Their Emotions

• Acknowledge their feelings: “I see that you’re really frustrated right now. That’s okay.”
• Teach simple calming techniques, like deep breathing or squeezing a stress ball.
• Model how to handle big feelings in a healthy way.

🌱 Encourage Play, Joy, and Exploration

• Laugh together—it’s one of the most powerful ways to heal.
• Give them space to try new things without pressure.
• Let them be kids, even if their past experiences made them grow up too fast.

🌟 Remind Them That They Are Loved—No Matter What

• When they struggle, let them know your love doesn’t change.
• Celebrate their efforts, not just their achievements.
• Be the steady presence they can always count on.

Your Love Is Enough

You may not be able to erase the hard things your child has been through, but every safe, loving experience you give them is rewriting their future.

And here’s what’s most important to remember: Healing doesn’t require perfection—it just requires presence.

You are showing up.
You are loving them through the hard moments.
You are making a difference.

And that is enough. 💜