Childhood adversity leaves lasting marks. Known as adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, these events range from abuse and neglect to high-conflict divorce and community violence. Research has consistently shown that ACEs shape brain development, emotional health, and long-term outcomes such as chronic illness, risky behaviors, and even shortened life expectancy.
On the Children First Family Law podcast, Krista Nash begins a four-part series on ACEs with psychologist Dr. Kathleen McNamara. Their conversation, recorded the day after the Evergreen High School shooting and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, highlights how trauma reverberates across families and communities.
Dr. McNamara explains the original ACEs study and how its findings continue to influence pediatric care, education, and family law. She and Krista also discuss how modern experiences, such as school shootings, discrimination, bullying, and even COVID-19 disruptions, fit into the ACEs framework.
Divorce, particularly when marked by prolonged conflict or coercion, can become an ACE for children. But divorce itself is not inherently damaging. In many cases, separation brings relief from unhealthy dynamics. What matters most is how parents and professionals handle the process. Functional co-parenting, even without friendship, protects children by reducing conflict and creating stability.
Resilience is the other half of the story. Dr. McNamara emphasizes factors that buffer children against adversity, including at least one nurturing caregiver, social connections, safe environments, effective coping strategies, and early intervention. These elements not only help kids “bounce back” but also create opportunities for post-traumatic growth.
This episode lays the groundwork for the rest of the ACEs series, which includes a survivor’s story from Columbine and practical tools for parents navigating divorce. The message is clear. ACEs matter, but they do not define a child’s future. With the right support, families can break cycles of trauma and build resilience.
If you want to learn more about the Children First Family Law Podcast, check out www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com/aces-trauma-and-hope-understanding-childhood-pain-and-building-resilience-part-1-of-a-4-part-series.