Stress has lasting effect on child's development

There is a growing consensus among experts that a key mechanism linking childhood adversity to later health and well-being is the stress caused by early negative experiences. These early negative experiences manifest in neglect, emotional and physical abuse, and excessively harsh parenting.

For children, whose bodies and minds are still growing, a well-tuned stress response system is especially important. High levels of early stress have been linked to impaired behavioral and emotional development as well as numerous health consequences later in life, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. Such consequences cost our society in many ways.

Positive stress is a normal part of learning and development. As children learn to cope with frustration, overcome obstacles and confront challenges, they will experience a certain amount of stress. This level of stress is usually safe and manageable, especially if a child has the support of a healthy home environment.

In contrast to tolerable stress, toxic stress refers to persistent, unhealthy amounts of stress caused by chronically stressful conditions without the protective benefits of healthy caregiving. These stresses can eventually cause permanent damage.

The brain is the primary stress organ: It is responsible for activating, monitoring and shutting down the body's reactions to stress. Infants' developing brains are particularly vulnerable; babies are affected by stress even in the protective environment of the womb. Since maternal cortisol levels affect the developing fetus, a mother's level of stress is directly related to the well-being of her baby.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/feb/12/guest-column-stress-has-lasting-effect-on-childs/