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A note from Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Executive Director of First 5 California:
These days many families face everyday stressors, like financial hardships and family, work and social obligations — not to mention traumas past and present that can pop up at any time. This can lead to feelings of sadness, loneliness and despair. Often overlooked is education about the real, long-term effect of our personal and familial trauma that can lead to toxic stress response in our children. At First 5 California, not only do we see this growing problem, but some of us have been impacted by toxic stress as well.
As the child of refugees who fled the dangers of a civil war, my childhood was impacted by the trauma my caregivers were experiencing. The family support system I needed to truly overcome the adversity I was facing was not readily available and I did not understand what I was going through, being a young child.
Both toxic stress and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been studied for decades. What we know is that 62% of California adults have experienced ACEs, according to research done by the California Surgeon General’s Office. Additionally, over 2 million children in this state are impacted by ACEs, according to findings released by the Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health. These studies underscore the urgent need to pay attention to this problem or risk another generation suffering long-term health challenges that can be avoided.
Over the past year, First 5 California has been raising awareness for toxic stress and ACEs through our Stronger Starts campaign. This effort is intended to provide the resources families need to prevent and address the harmful impacts of toxic stress on children. It is our goal that this message also permeates within our public health and education systems in an effort to create the safe, stable, nurturing environments necessary for children’s healthy development.
Programs like these are the foundation for First 5 California. For 25 years, we have provided programs and resources designed to educate and support parents, caregivers, teachers and community partners in the critical role they play with children ages 0-5.
Our goal is for California children and families to receive the best possible start to life and thrive. We have been able to achieve this over the years through our partnerships and investments in communities. Our advocacy efforts and focus on children and families comes full circle when we see the significant investments the state has made over the years in early childhood programs that serve the same children and families as First 5 California.
No child should have to endure their trauma or healing alone. I look forward to continuing our mission to proactively ensure all California children can get what they need from the people who love them most so they can overcome almost any obstacle that comes their way.
What can parents do?
Parents and caregivers can promote resiliency against toxic stress with the Four Bs Model: Be Calm, Be Steady, Be There and Be Nurturing.
- Be Calm. Calmness doesn’t always come easy. But your calmness creates a more peaceful environment that can help kids manage their emotions in stressful situations. Things like pausing before reacting can help you identify and manage strong emotions to handle situations more effectively. This not only creates a safe space for children, but it also demonstrates emotional regulation they can mirror. Encouraging little ones to take deep breaths like a dragon can help calm the mind and body in stressful situations.
- Be Steady. Sticking to consistent routines and habits helps make a child’s world a little more predictable. So when unexpected things happen, they can feel less uneasy. During times of stress and uncertainty, predictability and structure help kids self-regulate. Take these routines, for example: showering or bathing, brushing their teeth, getting dressed, having consistent bedtimes and routines, and having regular mealtimes and snack times.
- Be There. Those moments you spend connecting with your child are not only great for bonding but also can improve their brain development. Children's brains develop the most during the first five years of their lives. Connecting with the world around them is vital for developing motor skills, language and communication skills, and stress relief. By being there to read, sing, and play together, you boost brain growth and help them develop the strength and flexibility they need to work through challenging situations.
- Be Nurturing. Expressing love and affection builds a safe and secure connection with your child. How? By letting them know just how important they are to you. Actions that may seem small, like hugs, kisses, and words of encouragement and affirmation, can have a deep impact.. Nurturing your child shows them what a healthy relationship looks like, teaches them about boundaries, helps them learn to express their emotions, and builds up their mental health. Physical touch and dance parties are great ways to incorporate this into your child’s routine.
Author’s Note:
Jackie Thu-Huong Wong is the executive director of First 5 California, a state agency dedicated to supporting children from infancy to five years old and their families. Visit www.first5california.com for more information.