Ongoing research shows that adversity and high levels of stress in early childhood can have a negative impact on a person's life. Stress can affect a child's health, behavior, and ability to learn. However, adults can encourage resilience in young children and in themselves. Resilience is the ability to cope with the stress caused by challenging situations. Find resources below that can help caregivers and families understand the signs and dangers of stress in young children. Learn about strategies to promote resilience and support positive outcomes.
Resilience Booster: Parent Tip Tool
Families can use these tips to reduce the effects of stress and help their children develop resilience.
Promoting Resilience in Children, Families, Staff, and You!
Resilient people of all ages are better able to cope with stress, adversity, and change. Learn about the concept of resiliency. Find practical ways to promote resilience in children, families, and staff.
The Ability to Cope: Building Resilience in Yourself and Your Child
Many families face stressful situations, including parental depression, community violence, and poverty. Learn strategies and practice skills to build resilience in adults and young children.
Toxic Stress, Trauma, and Early Childhood
There are many adverse experiences that can cause significant stress in young children and their families. Examples include child abuse, neglect, separation from primary caregivers, family mental illness and substance abuse, and domestic violence. But children can thrive when families, early childhood programs, and home visitors understand the effects of trauma and toxic stress as well as the importance of build trusting, positive relationships.
Promoting Resilience
Resilience is the ability to adapt to change and persevere in the face of adversity. Strong, comprehensive early childhood programs are key to promoting resilience in children and families. Use these resources to encourage resilience in children and the adults who care for them.
Building Resilient Caregivers
Taking Care of Ourselves: Stress and Relaxation
Stress is natural, but it can take a toll on your health and impact the quality of care you give. Use these resources to learn ways to help reduce stress.
Mindfulness: A Resilience Practice
Discover the impact of stress and how mindfulness practices can help teachers become more resilient. Try a mindfulness practice with children in your program.
Fostering Resilience in Families Coping With Depression
Find practical ways staff can help families build the power to cope with depression.
Reducing Stress
Stress is part of life, but it can take a toll on the health and well-being of caregivers and the children they care for. When caregivers feel stressed, young children are likely to absorb that stress. Explore this resource to learn approaches designed to reduce stress for staff as well as the children and families they serve.
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Last Updated: July 18, 2022