By: Jillian Wu
Whether it be a simple joy like singing or a family connection like eating dinner together, parents who celebrate the small moments with their children can shape their child’s future into one that flourishes.
Over the years, new studies have been made looking into the relationship between daily positives, flourishing children, and the presence or absence of problems. In the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, a group of researchers looked at data from thousands of young children under the age of 5, examining Positive Parenting Practices (PPPs), which include bedtime stories, eating dinner together, singing, and other activities that foster an intimate bond between parent and child. They examined the effect of PPPs on children with adverse childhood experiences. To their surprise, the simple activities in PPPs effectively mitigate the negative effects of any adversity the child may have faced
In the process of discovering the results, David E. Bard, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Oklahoma, was seemingly astounded by the fact that adversity and PPP score did not correlate, meaning: the bad things that happen do not determine the amount of good things that occur. Thus, contrary to popular belief, positive activities can outweigh the possible negative and challenging moments in a child’s upbringing. According to Bard, “the parenting influences were actually stronger than the adverse influences.” So, while it may seem that negativity can be the end-all-be-all, positivity ultimately carries more weight in a child’s future.
Some parents may believe that monumental moments of connection are most important, but it’s actually the small quotidian moments of joy between a parent and a child that forge the foundation of a healthy relationship. These small moments trump the bad ones, creating a deeper level of connection and understanding by allowing the child to feel safe and supported. Good parenting is oftentimes overlooked, but its effects can teach a child how to respond to challenges and adversity, which is far more important in the long run. By building tenacity, ambition, and perseverance through facilitating small joys that build over time, children can have the necessary skills to combat the inevitable challenges they will face in their lives.
Yet, the broader concern revolves around the policies and programs that foster environments for these parents to aid their children in celebrating their small moments of joy. Whether it be policies that support a family under stress, governmental initiatives that offer financial support, or more programs that aid the mental well-being of parents, new programs can aid parents in shaping their children’s future.
Link to article: https://eb18600f7bb2916037f5ee8e636ce199.cdn.bubble.io/f1691331882648x417387197456661600/Positive%20childhood%20experiences%20can%20help%20make%20kids%20more%20resilient%20-%20The%20Washington%20Post.pdf