For parents

Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have a tremendous impact on future mental wellbeing, lifelong health and opportunity. As such, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are an important public health issue.

Everyone can help prevent ACEs. Prevention cannot be left solely to government agencies e.g. schools, NHS, social services, etc. Parents especially can create safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children.

There are five known strategies that help stop ACEs before they even start. Some are down to or in partnership with state agencies and the community but as a parent you have a unique role in those highlighted below:

• strengthening economic support for families e.g. creating paid work and training opportunities;
• changing social norms to support parents and promoting positive parenting;
• providing quality care and education early in life;
• enhancing parenting skills to promote healthy child development;
• intervening to lessen harms and prevent future risk.

Safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments are essential to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to assure that all children reach their full potential.

See the side menu for additional information and also how to access an online positive parenting programme.