Counsellor's Corner

 

Don't forget your PCE's this Summer

What are PCEs? Christina Bethell of Johns Hopkins University, one of the major researchers on PCEs, defined a positive childhood experience as “feeling safe in our families to talk about emotions and things that are hard and feeling supported during hard times”

Examples of PCEs include:

• Being able to talk openly to a family member or as a family about feelings and feel heard, accepted and supported
• Belief that family stood by them during difficult times
• Feeling safe and protected by an adult in the home

Examples of non-family PCEs include:

• Feeling supported by friends
• Having a sense of belonging and connection with a larger group (e.g. school, church, clubs, sports, neighborhood, etc.)
• Enjoyment of participation in community traditions or activities
• Relationship with at least one non-parent adult who takes a genuine interest in you

Have a lovely summer, and don't forget to enjoy some PCEs with your child or young person over the holidays!

Warm Regards,

Valerie DeGraw