The Power of Connection: How Supportive Adult Relationships Shape Brighter Futures for Children and Communities
- thrivingfamiliesal
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
Every child needs someone who believes in them, stands by them, and sees their full potential. Research consistently shows that supportive adult relationships are among the most powerful predictors of long-term success for children. These relationships are not limited to parents. They can include teachers, coaches, mentors, faith leaders, neighbors, family support workers, and others who invest time and care into a child’s life.
Supportive adult relationships are one of the most influential protective factors. They promote emotional well-being, help buffer the effects of trauma and toxic stress, and are central to building resilience in both children and families. These relationships are a key component of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), which help create the conditions for children to thrive.
Why These Relationships Matter
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having at least one safe, stable, and nurturing relationship with a supportive adult dramatically reduces the negative impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Children who report experiencing positive, stable relationships are more likely to develop strong emotional regulation, healthier social behaviors, and better academic outcomes. They are also more likely to grow into adults who contribute positively to their communities.
Supportive adults play a powerful role in helping children thrive emotionally, socially, and behaviorally. When children have more than one caring adult in their lives beyond their immediate family, they are more likely to grow up with confidence, healthy relationships, and a strong sense of self-worth.
Meaningful relationships begin with simple, consistent actions that show a child they matter. Taking time to listen, showing genuine interest in their thoughts and feelings, and being present in everyday moments helps build a strong sense of trust and belonging. When these connections start early in a child’s life, they lay the groundwork for emotional safety, confidence, and resilience. Children thrive when they know the adults around them care about who they are and believe in who they can become.
The Role of Supportive Adults in Building Resilience
Supportive adult relationships serve as a buffer against life’s stressors. They help children navigate challenges and develop the emotional tools needed to bounce back from setbacks. This kind of resilience does not happen in isolation. It grows in the context of strong, trusting relationships.
These adults help children:
Learn how to manage emotions and behavior through calm, consistent co-regulation
Build self-worth and confidence by affirming their value and abilities
Practice communication, empathy, and relationship skills in a safe environment
Feel a sense of belonging and connection, which protects against isolation
Develop a growth mindset and belief in their ability to succeed
What Can Professionals, Adults, and Communities Do?
Every adult can be a difference-maker. Whether you interact with children every day or only occasionally, your presence matters. Here are ways individuals and organizations can support healthy relational environments for children.
For Adults and Professionals:
Be present and consistent. Children need to know they can count on you.
Notice and name children’s strengths. Let them know you see what they do well.
Ask open-ended questions and listen without judgment.
Ask about children’s sparks (what they are passionate about and remember them).
Offer encouragement during challenges rather than focusing on mistakes.
Follow through on your promises to build trust and security.
Volunteer with youth-focused programs, mentor programs, sports teams, afterschool clubs, or community events.
Talk to the kids in your environment, like work, church, school, neighborhoods, etc.
For Organizations and Communities:
Invest in training staff to build trauma-informed, relationship-based approaches.
Foster environments that prioritize connection and belonging in schools, programs, and services.
Create opportunities for mentorship and long-term adult-child engagement.
Support community programs that pair youth with trusted adults outside of the family.
Encourage organizations to work together to make sure children have the supportive relationships they need.
Recognize and celebrate adults in the community who serve as positive role models.
Allow staff hours to volunteer in youth-focused programs like TeamMates and other mentoring and volunteer programs.
How This Benefits the Community
When children experience stable, supportive relationships, the impact extends far beyond their own personal development. These relationships are foundational to strong families and thriving communities. A connected child is more likely to feel safe, valued, and hopeful about the future, which influences how they learn, interact, and contribute to the world around them. Supportive adult relationships reduce the effects of stress and trauma, encourage healthier coping strategies, and help children build the confidence and skills they need to succeed. When children have access to positive role models, they are more likely to grow into engaged, responsible, and resilient adults. Over time, this contributes to a community culture where people look out for one another, share responsibility for one another’s well-being, and invest in long-term success for everyone.
Communities that prioritize relational health enjoy:
Fewer children and teens struggle with anxiety, depression, and trauma-related challenges when they have trusted adults to turn to. This reduces pressure on mental health services and improves overall community wellness.
Children who feel supported are more likely to attend school regularly, perform well, and graduate on time. Strong relationships fuel motivation, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging at school.
Supportive relationships reduce the likelihood of risky behaviors like substance use, violence, or early school dropout. This leads to lower crime rates and more secure neighborhoods.
Young people who grow up in connected, caring communities are more likely to give back, volunteer, and take on leadership roles in adulthood.
Children who are emotionally supported are better prepared to succeed in the workforce, helping to build a reliable, skilled, and resilient future labor force.
Communities that value and foster relationships become places where people look out for one another, offer help when needed, and create a culture of caring for others.
Supporting children is not just the responsibility of families. It is a collective effort. Every teacher, bus driver, librarian, coach, mentor, and volunteer plays a role in raising resilient children. The more positive adult relationships a child has, the stronger their foundation for future success.
Let us all work together to ensure every child feels supported, valued, and surrounded by people who care. A connected child is a thriving child, and a thriving child builds a stronger tomorrow for all of us.
 Developmental research shows that having one or more caring adults in a child’s life increases the likelihood that they will flourish, and become productive adults themselves.1 In many cases, these caring adults are the child’s parents, but other relatives, neighbors, friends of parents, teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and others can play this role. | Developmental relationships are essential to help young people discover how to become their best selves. Through the benefits of developmental relationships, young people move beyond surviving to thriving. Strong developmental relationships help young people of every age, race, and socioeconomic background discover who they are, cultivate the ability to shape their own lives and destinies, and learn how to positively contribute to the world. |
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