Understanding Stress: The Three Kinds You Need to Know

Stress—it's a word we hear often in today's fast-paced world. But did you know that not all stress is created equal? In fact, there are three distinct types of stress, each with its own unique impact on our health and well-being - both for us and our kids. In this blog post, I talk about the three kinds of stress and why we need to know!

Positive Stress: The Good Kind

Positive stress is the type of stress that motivates us and helps us rise to meet challenges. For kids, positive stress might include starting school or the first day of daycare, heading out on a new playground, or giving a presentation in class. For adults, this can look like a new job or getting ready for a big event. While it may feel intense in the moment, positive stress is typically short-term and can leave us and our kids feeling proud and accomplished once we've overcome the challenge.

Tolerable Stress: Weathering the Storm

Tolerable stress refers to more serious challenges or adversities that people encounter, such as the loss of a pet, moving to a new home, or a family member's illness. Unlike positive stress, tolerable stress can have a longer-lasting impact on a person's physical and emotional well-being. However, with the right support from others and coping mechanisms, both us and our children can navigate through tolerable stress and emerge stronger on the other side.

Toxic Stress: When Stress Becomes Harmful

Toxic stress is the most damaging type of stress and occurs when someone experiences prolonged or repeated exposure to severe adversity without adequate support. Examples of toxic stress can include ongoing abuse or neglect, living in a violent environment, or experiencing chronic poverty. Toxic stress can have devastating effects on both physical and mental health, leading to a range of long-term issues such as anxiety, depression, and even changes in brain development.

Understanding the three types of stress—positive, tolerable, and toxic—can help us better recognize and respond to the challenges ourselves and our children face in life. While positive stress can be a driving force for growth and achievement, tolerable stress reminds us of our resilience and ability to weather life's storms. However, it's important to be vigilant against the dangers of toxic stress and seek support when needed to protect our children's well-being. Even tolerable stress can turn toxic if we and our children don't receive support.

If you find yourself wanting extra support in navigating your child's emotional well-being, consider checking out my free parenting program, Circle of Security. It's a wonderful resource for building strong, secure relationships with your little ones and providing them with the support they need to thrive.