I have yet to receive a response from my international contacts so I did the alternative assignment and viewed the "Global Children's Initiative" website. This website is very informative but I took to the "National Scientific Council on the Developing Child" section. In this section, they took about many things but topic that stood out to me the most was the "Toxic Stress Response: The Facts" topic. I have heard that there is "good stress" and "bad stress" but this website has stress broken down into three parts: positive, tolerable and toxic (three new insights for me).
Positive stress response is a normal and essential part of healthy development (I guess this would be considered "good stress"), characterized by brief increases in heart rate and mild elevations in hormone levels. Some situations that might trigger a positive stress response are the first day with a new caregiver or receiving an injected immunization.
Tolerable stress response activates the body’s alert systems to a greater degree as a result of more severe, longer-lasting difficulties, such as the loss of a loved one, a natural disaster, or a frightening injury. If the activation is time-limited and buffered by relationships with adults who help the child adapt, the brain and other organs recover from what might otherwise be damaging effects.
Toxic stress response (bad stress) can occur when a child experiences strong, frequent, and/or prolonged adversity—such as physical or emotional abuse, chronic neglect, caregiver substance abuse or mental illness, exposure to violence, and/or the accumulated burdens of family economic hardship—without adequate adult support. This kind of prolonged activation of the stress response systems can disrupt the development of brain architecture and other organ systems, and increase the risk for stress-related disease and cognitive impairment, well into the adult years.
As I read this information, I began to reflect on different times in my life when I experiences positive and tolerable stress. I experienced a little bit of toxic stress but it wasn't for long (Thank God). But this information is good for not only caregivers and educators, but for parents too. We need to be watchful of the amount of stress our children may be experiencing. And we must keep are relationships strong in order to persevere in a healthy manner through trials and tribulations. I will definitely continue to use this website as a resource for important information.
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/
Brandee,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that parents should be watchful of their children to know the mood they are in and to feel the level of their stress. Truly, many parents do not bother about this and, to the children, the attitude portrays parents as uncaring and unloving. This belief will help create a wider gap between the parents and the children, thereby rendering the relationship of no effect. This a comprehensive post!
Brandee,
ReplyDeleteI did not receive a response either :( I agree with you that the information about stress is very interesting and one that educators should be aware of as it can make a large and lasting impact on a child's life. thank you for sharing!
Hi Brandee!
ReplyDeleteYour post is very informative! In fact, I like how you explained the different types of stress. This is so important. Initially, when I think about stress, I usually think of it as being 1 type. You have definitely given me a new perspective on stress and how I should deal with it on a personal basis and while I work with children and their families in the early childhood field. Thanks for this great post!
Hi Brandee, your post contains great information that is very critical to the development of children. I was not aware of the different levels of stress. Toxic stress seems to be the worst form of stress for individuals and I believe that it is important to educate families about this level of stress. Great post.
ReplyDeleteThat was a very interesting and informative article. Many people do not realize that children can be stressed and how stress affects them. You are right, it is important for professionals to read this information, but it is also important for parents to read it as well. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHello Brandee, you do have a very informative and interesting post. I too have not been able to get in contact with my chosen contacts for this assignment. So I had to result to the World Forum Radio. These stress tactics are very good for child care providers and teachers and not only us, others as well because stress plays a huge impact on everyones life at times. Good post.
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