- Stress plays an important role in children’s growth and development, but not all stress is the same.
- Three types of stress:
- Good stress: positive challenges, such as a teen starting a new job.
- Tolerable stress: typical but difficult life events (e.g., death of a pet or grandparent) that can build confidence and resilience when supported by a caring adult.
- Toxic stress: severe, overwhelming experiences without adult support, which can cause harmful long-term effects.
- Parents should not shield children from all tolerable stress, as navigating challenges builds resilience and self-confidence.
- The key factor that helps children manage stress positively is having supportive relationships with adults who protect and guide them through challenges.
The Three Different Types of Stress
Understanding the types of stress kids face and how caring support helps them grow can make everyday challenges an important part of healthy development.
Mary Kay Jankowski, PhD, Pediatric Psychiatry
