Positive Childhood Experiences (Part 2) – Outside the Home

Although parents have less control over Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) outside the home, they can still do a lot to monitor if they are present in their children’s lives, and to arrange for them where necessary. Parents play an even greater role when living overseas as their TCKs have fewer opportunities to build their social networks.

Here are 4 more of the 8 most important PCEs which can protect your children from the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Read Part 1 for the 4 PCEs in the home!

1.        Feeling supported by a peer group [and]

2.        Feeling a sense of belonging in a larger multi-generational

group.

Children who have the support of other similar-aged children as well as people of varying ages develop better social and emotional skills, which will help them cope better when they encounter adversities. TCKs may need parental help to build some of these social connections.

3.        Feeling a sense of belonging in high school (teen years).

Teenagers, especially, need to have positive peer relationships to provide social and emotional support. This is the time when they begin to distance themselves from their families and develop their own self-identity and self-esteem.

4.        Having two non-parent adults who take a genuine interest in the child.

However good the parent-child relationships, children thrive from having regular contact with other adults who care for them. Teens, especially, will benefit from exposure to different points of view and mentorship from other trusted and supportive adults in their lives.

What can parents do to provide these PCEs to their TCKs?

·       Regularly take inventory of the relationships your children, especially teens, have outside the family and help them extend their social networks if necessary.

·       Look out for peers and adults who could play a positive role in your children’s lives, and ensure they have opportunities to spend time together.

How many of these PCEs outside the home do your children have? Read Part 1 for more PCEs!

* A Third Culture Kid (TCK) is someone who has spent a significant part of their childhood living outside their passport country.