The causes of toxic stress
Experiencing hard things, or ongoing difficult situations, also called adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), without the right support to heal can lead to toxic stress. Some ACEs that can cause toxic stress include:
Challenges at home
Caregiver, parent, loved one, or household member separation, divorce, incarceration, mental illness, substance use, or death
Instability
Worrying about having enough food, housing instability, migration or immigration, being a refugee, or seeking asylum
Discrimination and racism
Being treated unfairly based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disabilities, or other factors
Violence
Witnessing violence or hearing harsh language, being a refugee, or experiencing war
Large environmental influences
Global pandemic, a natural disaster
Abuse
Experiencing and/or witnessing verbal, physical, or sexual abuse
Neglect
Not having physical or emotional needs met
Intergenerational and cultural trauma
Trauma like displacement, genocide of indigenous people, slavery, or the Holocaust, passed down through generations
Adult responsibilities
Caring for siblings or someone who’s sick or disabled, or being responsible for meals at a young age
What can parents do to help?
Know that hard things are part of life
Parents wish they could prevent bad things from ever happening, but there are some things we can’t control. We can make sure they feel nurtured, loved, resilient, and equipped to process and manage hard things.
Know that your child might need extra support
Everyday TLC is a great way to strengthen the bond with your child. But when they’ve gone through something traumatic, even the strongest kids might struggle if they try to get through it on their own. Learn how to give them the right kind of support or reach out to a specialist to help them overcome toxic stress and experience healthy growth.