Lions From Lambs

We have a duty to protect children from extreme levels of stress. Stress, once considered a predominantly adult affliction, is increasingly recognized as a significant threat to the well-being and development of kids. The rapid pace of modern life, societal pressures, and academic expectations contribute to a growing epidemic of stress among children. Unless adults take measures to shield kids from stress, the long-term consequences could be catastrophic. 

Often, adults don’t realize that everything that happens in the vicinity of a child is affecting his or her development. A child’s mind truly is like a sponge, absorbing every piece of data from the outside world. It then files this data away and forms a subconscious judgment about it. 

Negative events in a child’s life can severely damage the child, even if it is not directly happening to him or her. Arguing is a normal part of any relationship, but when a child sees his or her parents screaming at each other – or worse – it causes tremendous emotional damage. We must always be extremely mindful of how we behave in the presence of children, because we cannot know exactly how each child’s brain will react to what they see us do or hear us say.

Stress takes a toll on a child’s physical health, manifesting in various ways. Chronic stress disrupts the body’s delicate balance, leading to weakened immune systems, increased susceptibility to illnesses, and delays in physical growth and development. 

Elevated levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, can cause sleep disturbances, impaired cognitive function, and digestive problems. Moreover, long-term exposure to stress can contribute to the development of chronic conditions like obesity and cardiovascular disorders.

Prolonged exposure to stress causes an increase of cortisol in the corpus callosum, the bridge that allows the left and right sides of the brain to communicate. This over saturation of cortisol in the corpus callosum can cause the nerves of the corpus callosum to shrink. This severely affects a child’s motor coordination, speech, ability to read and write, and many more vital functions.

Stress exerts a profound influence on a child’s emotional well-being. This often results in a range of psychological and behavioral challenges. Anxiety and depression are common consequences of excessive stress, causing children to withdraw socially, experience mood swings, and display irritability or aggression. 

Stress can impair a child’s ability to regulate emotions, leading to emotional outbursts or a general sense of helplessness. In some cases, stress may also contribute to the onset of behavioral disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The impact of stress on a child’s cognitive development is substantial. Chronic stress disrupts the intricate neural connections within the brain, particularly in areas responsible for learning and memory. As a result, children exposed to prolonged stress may experience difficulties with concentration, attention, and information processing. 

Extreme stress impairs executive functions, inhibiting problem-solving skills, decision-making abilities, and impulse control. These cognitive impairments can significantly hinder academic performance, leading to a vicious cycle of stress and underachievement.

Stress can have far-reaching consequences for a child’s social interactions and interpersonal relationships. Children under chronic stress often struggle with low self-esteem, feelings of isolation, and an inability to establish trusting bonds with peers and caregivers. Stress-induced behavioral changes, such as aggression or withdrawal, can further strain relationships and contribute to social exclusion.

The negative impact of stress on a child’s overall well-being can impede their ability to develop and maintain healthy social connections, leading to long-term difficulties in forming meaningful relationships.

The dangerous effects of stress on children encompass a wide range of physical, emotional, cognitive, and social challenges. Recognizing and addressing the dangerous effect stress has on developing brains of children is paramount to safeguarding the well-being and future of our younger generation. We have a duty to give these children all the tools they will need to succeed in an increasingly complex world. And we must always remember: giving them the tools they need also means not destroying the natural tools with which they are born.