Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Positive Adverse Childhood Experiences (PACES) significantly influence early childhood development. ACEs refer to traumatic events or conditions, such as abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, or exposure to violence, that negatively affect a child’s emotional, psychological, and physical health. These experiences can lead to lifelong consequences, such as an increased risk of chronic illnesses, mental health disorders, and challenges in academic or social development. Children exposed to ACEs often struggle with self-regulation/impulsive behaviors, learning difficulties, and establishing healthy relationships, as these early disruptions impact brain development, particularly in areas responsible for stress response and cognitive functioning.

PACEs, a relatively new concept, focus on how positive experiences—such as supportive relationships, a safe environment, and opportunities for growth despite challenges—can reduce the effects of adversity. These experiences help buffer the impact of ACEs, fostering resilience and coping skills in children. Positive connections with caregivers, mentors, and communities promote emotional well-being and support healthy brain development, counteracting the negative effects of early trauma.

Research shows that while ACEs can create long-term challenges, PACEs provide a hopeful pathway by emphasizing resilience-building strategies. Early intervention, including trauma-informed care and supportive environments, is key to mitigating ACEs' negative impact and increasing children's potential to thrive despite adversity. Promoting PACEs alongside addressing ACEs is crucial for healthy early childhood development.

Many free programs offer valuable developmental support for young children, such as Early Head Start/Head Start, Healthy Families, and Library Story Time, among others. When choosing childcare, prioritize caregivers who provide nurturing environments with appropriate caregiver-to-child ratios. Focus on quality interactions with infants and toddlers that encourage stimulation and learning. Avoid using screens as a form of entertainment. This critical period of rapid brain development is shaped by experiences, both positive and negative. The Bright by Text app offers personalized guidance for brain-building activities during everyday routines.

When it comes to nutrition and early childhood development, it is helpful to think of the body as a 3D printer. Just like a 3D printer needs materials like plastic, metal, or other substances to create a physical object, the body needs certain nutrients to build and develop tissues, organs, bones, and all other parts of the body. The body cannot do this on its own. It must be provided with the “raw materials” necessary for healthy growth and development.

During pregnancy, the food a mother eats provides the "3D printing material" that builds the baby’s body. Nutrients like protein, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats help form the baby’s brain, heart, muscles, bones, and more. The healthier and more balanced the mother's diet, the stronger and more fully developed the baby will be. This is especially important in the early stages of pregnancy when the baby’s organs and systems are forming.

Once the baby is born, nutrition continues to play a critical role. The food a baby eats—whether it’s breast milk, formula, or solid foods later on—becomes the material the body uses to grow and repair itself. Protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients from the food help build muscle, develop the brain, and support the baby’s immune system, making each bite like a building block that shapes the baby’s future health.

Whole milk is now recommended for children age 2 and younger. This is because of the role certain fats play in healthy brain development. Other sources of healthy fats include eggs from pasture-raised chickens, grass-fed beef, tuna, salmon, almonds, edamame, avocado, olive oil, flax seed and walnuts. For more nutrition guidance, visit MyPlate.gov.

During the first three years of life, a child’s brain undergoes rapid development, making it a crucial period for growth and learning. Parents should understand key developmental milestones to support their child’s overall well-being.

In the first year, infants develop basic physical abilities such as lifting their head, rolling over, and sitting up. These activities are critical for integrating primitive reflexes. If children do not spend enough time on their tummy, moving and crawling, it may lead to developmental and learning delays later on. Socially and emotionally, babies begin to recognize familiar faces, express emotions through crying or smiling, and show signs of attachment. By the end of the first year, they typically begin babbling and may say simple words like “mama” or “dada.” Speech delays can be a sign of developmental delays. It is important to have children tested for speech and hearing and to intervene early.

Toddlers gain greater mobility, learning to walk, run, and climb. Children should be given plenty of time for free play away from screens. Fine motor skills also progress, allowing them to grasp objects and manipulate toys. Language development accelerates, with most children saying several words and beginning to form simple sentences. They also start to assert independence and exhibit early signs of social interaction, such as playing alongside other children. Cognitive skills improve as they start to understand simple concepts, follow directions, and engage in pretend play. As a parent or caregiver, it is important to observe the development of these skills. If these traits are delayed, there is much that can be done during this period of time to help children get back on track. Taking the wait-and-see approach is not recommended due to the reduction in the brain’s ability to adapt after age three.

Parents should keep in mind that children develop at different rates, but consistent care, communication, and positive reinforcement can help them reach these milestones. Follow guidance from your child’s doctor or pediatrician with regular check-ups. Be an advocate for getting your child screened if you are concerned about their development. The ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire) is an important tool for assessing if a child’s development is on track. This tool is administered at regular intervals during the first two years of a child’s life, starting at 2 months.

If screening results indicate a need for early intervention, take advantage of school and hospital-based services, many of which are now covered by insurance. As mentioned before, the brain is very adaptable during the first three years of life. There are simple and effective activities parents can do to reverse developmental delays and help their child build a stronger foundation for success as they grow.