An adverse childhood experience (ACE) is an event that causes toxic stress between the ages of 0 and 17. They're incredibly common, considering many circumstances can cause a child toxic stress. ACEs can stem from the abuse of any kind, family financial struggles, family members’ substance use, and many other issues. A single child can even experience multiple ACEs before becoming an adult.
ACEs can rock a child’s foundation, disrupting their physical, mental, and emotional development. But one of the hardest things about ACEs is how much they affect a child’s ability to excel in the classroom. Let's look at this in more detail below.
Ways Children With ACEs Struggle in the Classroom
There are several ways ACEs can impact children and their experiences in school. Per a recent study on ACEs, kids with at least three ACEs are more likely to experience problems with attendance and behavior. They’re also more likely to struggle or even fail academically.
When children don’t show up to school, have behavioral issues that disrupt the classroom, and fail to learn what’s necessary to make it to the next grade, their chances of academic success diminish significantly. Children who experience toxic stress may have difficulty staying organized and completing assignments. They can’t communicate their needs and may not get the support they desire or need.
ACEs can contribute to presenteeism. Children may be physically present, but their minds are elsewhere, inhibiting their ability to focus and do their best work. They may also be disrespectful to teachers or other authority figures, isolate themselves, or have difficulties socializing.
Ultimately, children with ACEs are more likely to struggle in their studies. Fortunately, as a trusted adult in their life, you have an opportunity to help them avoid and overcome these struggles, so they can get the most out of their education.
Strategies for Children With ACEs to Thrive in Their Studies
If any children in your life have had an ACE, you must do everything you can to help them stay resilient and flourish in school. Start with these five strategies.
Manage Stress Better
It would be wonderful if children never had to experience stress. But the reality is that they will navigate stressful situations throughout their entire lives. To ensure stress does not become toxic, teach your kids how to manage stress better.
For example, exercise with them regularly. Show them breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga. Encourage them to immerse themselves in things they’re passionate about when stressed.
Managing school-related stress is also important. Show your children the benefits of using a study planner. Encourage them to attend tutoring sessions and study groups to stay on top of their assignments and coursework. Introduce them to mental health professionals, counselors, and other adults they can trust at school, should they need to talk.
Build Self-esteem
In addition to its other impacts, ACEs can negatively affect a child’s self-esteem. When a child doesn’t feel good about themselves, that doubt and dislike will manifest themselves in their academics.
Introduce esteem-building activities and exercises in their lives to help them grow authentic self-esteem. Surround your kids with positive influences. Help them set realistic, achievable academic and life goals. Hold their hand through facing fears and encourage them always to be their authentic self.
Take Advantage of Educational resources for Kids With ACEs
Many educators, mentors, and other professionals are dedicated to helping children with ACEs. Lean on these individuals in your child’s school and take advantage of any educational initiatives and resources designed for students with ACEs.
If mental health coordinators and counselors are available, seek out their support. Participate in workshops, classes, or afterschool programs that help children work through trauma. Some websites, such as the Centers for Disease Control, also offer detailed resources and more information about how to support children with ACEs.
Develop Meaningful Relationships
You can’t help your children get through ACEs if you don’t know they’re struggling with them. It’s not enough to learn what it looks like when a child is struggling with an ACE (although that is important). It’s also essential to develop meaningful relationships with your children, so they come to you with their struggles.
Build a genuine relationship with your children. Get to know who they are and be transparent about your own experiences in life. Open up to them, so they’re more willing to open up to you. Be willing to get a professional involved if that’s what your child needs to cope with the aftermath of an ACE.
Conclusion
There’s an obvious connection between ACEs and academic achievement. When navigating an ACE, it can be difficult for children to focus on school and put their best foot forward. If you can prevent ACEs or actively help your kids overcome them with the strategies above, they’ll be in a better position to flourish both in and out of the classroom.
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