Did you know that creating positive experiences in childhood can lay the groundwork for lifelong resilience and well-being? These experiences are known as Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs).
PCEs highlight the nurturing moments, relationships, and environments that build a child’s inner strength and emotional health. In the Bloom Kentucky blog series, we explore how we can nurture these positive experiences to support children across the Commonwealth.
Today’s spotlight is on the PCE of feeling supported by friends.
Spotlight on PCE: Feeling Support by Friends
Support does not have to just come from family members, children and teens also find support from peers. Feeling supported by friends is a key positive childhood experience that promotes well-being and can even help protect youth from the well-known effects of childhood adversity.
Reflections from Kentucky Youth on Feeling a Sense of Belonging in High School
Members of KYA’s Housing Policy Ambassador cohort shared reflections on the impact of feeling supported by friends during adolescence:
“As someone who had a difficult home life growing up, my friends were the ones I turned to for support. They were a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and the ones to encourage me to live my dreams. I needed those friends to help me navigate school, the challenges of growing up without family I could rely on, and to build my confidence so I could take on whatever was lying ahead. I am where I am today because of the people I had to build me up along the way.”
– Eddie Delano, Louisville
“As a child navigating housing insecurity, making friends was tough. The few times I made friends they helped me feel less lonely and more comfortable in my situation. I didn’t feel judged because they were going through similar circumstances. This allowed us to navigate poverty together, making survival easier and less daunting.”
– Phoenix Berry, Lexington
The Power of Friendship
Research from around the world shows the importance of friendship and social connection in contributing to longer and healthier lives. Having someone to turn to during life’s adversities can serve as a protective factor – fighting against loneliness and social isolation. Companionship and a social support network helps to protect against depression and anxiety, with benefits seen across the lifespan on overall well-being and health outcomes.
It’s important that Kentucky kids have the opportunity to connect and build supportive friendships, whether at school, in their neighborhood, through extracurricular activities, or other meaningful ways of connection.
Call to Action
To learn more about Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) and how they shape resilient communities, visit bloomky.org. Join Bloom Kentucky at the Together we Bloom Summit on May 7th!
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