How Stress Shapes Child Development: Positive Stress, Toxic Stress, and Resilience

As much as we’d love to make life easy for our children, they inevitably will experience stress. And, as research demonstrates, some stress actually is positive in that it allows children to discover and practice their coping and problem-solving strategies. But when – and under what conditions – does stress become toxic stress and undermine our children’s longterm health and well-being? And what does this research mean for us as parents? You won’t want to miss this important discussion with Dr. Megan Gunnar from the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development!

HOW DOES UNDERSTANDING STRESS HELP US BETTER SUPPORT OUR CHILDREN?

What kinds of everyday stressors can have a positive effect on your child’s development? Or what kinds of stress can help your child build resilience and problem-solving skills when adequate support is present? Under what conditions does stress become toxic, and what role do relationships and caregiving play in buffering its effects? How can parents and caregivers recognize early signs that a child’s stress may be overwhelming rather than growth-promoting? What practical changes—at home, school, or in the community—can help reduce toxic stress while still allowing children to face healthy challenges?