Ep52: ACEs, Trauma, and Hope: Understanding Childhood Pain and Building Resilience

Today’s episode of the Children First Family Law podcast launches a powerful four-part series on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, and resilience. Krista records this conversation with Dr. Kathleen McNamara, the day after the Evergreen High School shooting in Jefferson County, Colorado, and the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah. Both tragedies underscore how deeply trauma ripples through families and communities.

Go here to listen → https://childrenfirstfamilylaw.com/ac...

Dr. McNamara, a psychologist and national leader in trauma-informed family law, explains the origins of the ACEs study and the direct connection between early childhood adversity and long-term outcomes such as chronic health issues, depression, and even shortened life expectancy. Together, she and Krista explore how high-conflict divorce can become an ACE, why early intervention is critical, and how functional co-parenting reduces harm.
This urgent conversation also expands the ACEs discussion to modern realities—school shootings, bullying, discrimination, and the lingering effects of COVID-19—and introduces resilience factors that can alter a child’s trajectory. Safe caregivers, coping strategies, social connections, and trauma-informed practices can help children heal and thrive, even after experiencing hardship.

As the first installment in the ACEs series, this episode sets the stage for Parts 2 and 3, featuring the story of a Columbine survivor who endured multiple ACEs, and Part 4, where Krista shares practical guidance for parents and professionals on protecting children’s mental health during divorce.

In this episode, you will hear:

-ACEs disrupt brain development and long-term health
-High-conflict divorce as a significant ACE risk factor
-Modern ACEs, including school shootings, discrimination, and COVID-19
-Early intervention reduces harm and improves outcomes
-Safe caregivers, social support, and coping strategies build resilience
-Trauma-informed practices in family law protecting children

Chapter
00:00 - Meet Dr. Kathleen McNamara
04:31 - Early trauma’s impact
06:58 - Families build society
08:39 - Educate, protect, heal

Resources from this Episode
www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24875-adverse-childhood-experiences-ace
www.apaf.org/our-programs/justice/free-resources/what-are-aces
www.samhsa.gov/resource/sptac/adverse-childhood-experiences-role-substance-misuse-prevention
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.

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Episode Credits
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#childrenfirstfamilylaw #ACEs #childhoodtrauma #familylaw #resilience