Stress can trigger negative behaviors from "summary" of The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family by Wendy Sunshine,David Cross,Karyn Purvis
When stress becomes overwhelming, it can cause a cascade of negative behaviors in children. This is especially true for children who have experienced trauma or have attachment issues. The stress response can lead to a fight, flight, or freeze reaction, which can manifest in a variety of behaviors such as aggression, defiance, withdrawal, or emotional outbursts. These behaviors are often the child's way of coping with the overwhelming feelings of stress and fear that they are experiencing. When a child is in a state of stress, their brain is flooded with cortisol, the stress hormone, which can impair their ability to think clearly and regulate their emotions. This can make it difficult for them to respond to situations in a calm and rational manner. Instead, they may resort to negative behaviors as a way of self-soothing or seeking control in a chaotic world. It is important for caregivers to recognize when a child is stressed and to help them regulate their emotions in a healthy way. This may involve providing a safe and nurturing environment, teaching coping skills, and helping them build resilience. By addressing the underlying stressors and teaching the child healthy ways to cope, caregivers can help prevent negative behaviors from escalating. It is also important for caregivers to practice self-care and manage their own stress levels, as children are highly attuned to the emotions of those around them. When caregivers are stressed, it can exacerbate the child's stress response and lead to a cycle of negative behaviors. By modeling healthy coping strategies and providing a stable and supportive environment, caregivers can help children learn to regulate their emotions and respond to stress in a more adaptive way.
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