Stress and adversity in our lives affect our own mental health as well as the health and well-being of our children.

If you are experiencing toxic levels of stress in your life, it can often make parenting even more challenging than it already is. In addition, if you are experiencing stress, your child is likely experiencing the same. Taking time to find help and ways to manage the trying times and circumstances in life will improve your own wellness as well as that of your children.

Children who develop resilience – the ability to overcome serious hardship – will experience more positive outcomes in life than those who do not. As a parent/caregiver, you can help your child learn resilience by modeling it in your own approach to adversity. Research shows supportive, responsive relationships with caring adults as early in a child’s life as possible can prevent or reverse the damaging effects of toxic stress. The best thing you can do for your child is to be that caring, responsive adult. 

For more information about toxic stress and resilience:

• Stress and Resilience: How Toxic Stress Affects Us, and What We Can Do About It
• Resilience
• Find a Crisis Nursery