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Based out of Tufts Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, the HOPE National Resource Center offers trainings, resources, and research centered around the HOPE framework and positive childhood experiences.
Positive childhood experiences:
Counter the effects of stress and adverse childhood experiences (ACES).
Help children stay healthy through hard times.
Help families celebrate their inner strength.
Give children memories of love and support.
Ways to build positive experiences:
Seek out social connections
Children need to feel connected to family and their community.
Help them participate in local activities.
Make time to connect virtually with long-distance relatives and friends.
Talk with your children
Follow their answers to guide you on what to say next.
Reach out for community support
Ask for help from other adults and organizations.
Let your children see you reaching out to your community.
Reach out to family and friends
Encourage your children to talk and play with their friends.
Have them practice empathy and talking with their friends.
Reading books can be a great ways to practice building empathy.
Here is a list of diverse and inclusive books.
Find a new hobby
Children need to see you trying new things.
Make it fun and challenging such as playing the River of Connection Game.
Encourage self-care
Everyone needs self-care and calming routines.
Create a calm space in your home where you can take a break.
Do these either together or individually.
Be silly
Play with your children. They learn a lot through play.
Let your children see you being spontaneous and free.
Laughter truly is the best medicine.
Connect with your partner
Prioritize your relationship.
Show your children what a healthy relationship looks like.
Engage with the community
Get involved with decision making in the community.
Advocate for family policies and programs.
Help your teen connect with their community.
Look for positive moments
Celebrate and remember the positive moments.
Post photos of the family together.
Share heartwarming stories.
Content and images on this page are adapted from Hope Program at Tufts Medical Center.
All activities are available in other languages at the Hope Program Website.
Information provided by CPCMG Behavioral Health Committee HB M.D., reviewed by CPCMG Patient Education Committee SC MD | 07/2025