Children learn best when they feel safe, relaxed, loved, and confident. Emotions that are the opposite can make learning a struggle.
Researchers who study Adverse Childhood Experiences, often referred to as ACEs, are flipping some of their work upside down to see what happens when children have Positive Childhood Experiences.
What their evidence shows is that healthy relationships, safe spaces, emotional intelligence, and feelings of belonging support HOPE—H.O.P.E. That acronym stands for Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences.
Here are some questions you can ask your child regularly to support HOPE. You might also make sure adults at school are asking questions like these, too.
- Tell me, what is going well?
- What is fun?
- Where are you successful?
- Can you tell me something that makes you proud?
- Where do you feel like you belong?
- Please, tell me something about how important you are.