Page 81 - Meeting with Children Book

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WHAT ABOUT STRESS?

We all know there is good stress and bad stress. Some
stress is good, such as being challenged to try
something new, writing a test, performing in front of
others, having a fight with a friend or learning how to
manage life changes. However, bad stress can have an
enduring impact. For instance, when a child is
intensely crying, their arousal system (sympathetic
nervous system) is initiated. When distress is high, the
“fight or flight” survival reaction comes on-line, along
with high levels of the chemical epinephrine,
increased heart rate, blood pressure, sweating,
muscle tension, fast breathing, and suppressed
appetite (Sunderland, 2006). Leaving a child in a
hyperaroused state can be dangerous to his/her
health, especially if the hyperarousal is ongoing and a
type of negative family norm as in the case of children
living with caregivers where there is ongoing domestic
violence. Sensitive responding is necessary to avoid
later difficulties with breathing, heart disease, eating
and digestive issues, sleep issues, panic attacks, and
chronic fatigue to name a few.

It is important for the caregiver to “meet their child”
using the right voice tone and energy along with
physical soothing, and boundaries. These caregiver
interventions can interrupt the negative trajectory of
the child’s physical and emotional future, and increase
the influx of positive neurochemicals such as opioids
(endorphins, for instance, decrease pain) and
oxytocin. These natural hormones increase calm,
comfort and enjoyment, and when released they