Are positive childhood experiences good for you as an adult?

Philip Copitch, Ph.D. ~ Author of Basic Parenting 101: The Manual Your Child Should Have Been Born With

I am often asked by parents, “Did I mess my kids up”. This common question happens after some parent/teen argument that was particularly nasty.

I like to point out that parenting is a very long marathon and one nasty argument is not very powerful. The goal is to get the kids to 18 with both eyes. This often is hard, because kids often like to do stuff that endangers themselves.

Studies have shown that long term negative childhood experiences can lead to an increased likelihood of adult depression and underdeveloped relationship skills.

In this study, the authors looked at positive childhood experiences and how they influence adulthood wellbeing.

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Positive Childhood Experiences and Adult Mental Health

In this cross-sectional study, in JAMA Pediatrics shows adults that reported higher incidences of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) also reported lower incidences of depression and/or poor mental health (D/PMH).

The researchers’ state: 

Conclusions and Relevance  Positive childhood experiences show dose-response associations with D/PMH and ARSES after accounting for exposure to [adverse childhood experiences] ACEs. The proactive promotion of PCEs for children may reduce risk for adult D/PMH and promote adult relational health. Joint assessment of PCEs and ACEs may better target needs and interventions and enable a focus on building strengths to promote well-being. Findings support prioritizing possibilities to foster safe, stable nurturing relationships for children that consider the health outcomes of positive experiences.

Obtain a PDF of this research paper.

Please let me know what you think by clicking the “comments” below.

5.7 Million Kids Water Bottles Recalled Due to Choking Hazard

Contigo Kids Cleanable Water Bottles and their replacement lids have been recalled.

The water bottle’s clear silicone spout can detach, posing a choking hazard to children.

The product was sold at Costco, Walmart, Target and other stores nationwide and online on various websites from April 2018 through February 7, 2020 for between $9 and $24.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled water bottles and the replacement lids provided in the previous recall, take them away from children, and contact Contigo for a free water bottle. Consumers who received replacement lids in the previous recall should contact Contigo for the new water bottle.

Consumer Contact: 

Contigo toll-free at 888-262-0622 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.gocontigo.com/recall or www.gocontigo.com and click on Recalls at the bottom of the page for more information.

Read the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice.

Who is smoking pot in US? 2019 Gallup Poll

Philip Copitch, Ph.D. ~ Author of Change: How to bring real change to your life: The psychology and secrets of highly effective people

In July 2019 Gallup found that 12% of American adults smoke pot. The percentage hasn't changed much since 2015.

A few interesting findings:

• Men are more likely to use than women.
• 18 to 29-year-olds are most likely to use marijuana.
• Liberals are more likely than conservatives or moderates to use.
• Whites use more than non-whites.
• Folks living on the west coast are more likely to use, but only a little more likely.

Read the details of this interesting Gallup poll: What Percentage of Americans Smoke Marijuana? BY ZACH HRYNOWSKI