Toxic stress

Our educational concept is based on scientific research and findings on toxic stress and its effects on the neuronal and social development of children and young people. On this page, you can find out what impact toxic stress can have on a child's brain and what you can do about it as an educational professional.

The brain of a newborn child already has over 80 billion nerve cells (neurons) - that's almost all the neurons the brain will ever have. A child is therefore already born with the basic building blocks for learning and remembering.

Healthy brain development can be impaired in children if they are exposed to stressful situations over a long period of time without adult support and thus to toxic stress that is harmful to their health.

We distinguish between 3 forms of stress:

Positive stress is necessary for healthy development and problem-solving. Positive stress manifests itself in mild, physical reactions such as an increased heartbeat. Example: the first day in a new class.

Moderate stress causes a strong physical reaction as a result of temporary stress. A safe environment and support from adults helps children to recover. Example: Moving to a new city or a visit to the dentist.

Toxic stress can occur when children experience severe and prolonged stress. Without a secure support system and stable relationships, long-lasting damage can occur. Example: neglect or the loss of a close caregiver.

Effects on the child's brain

The brain of a newborn child already has over 80 billion nerve cells (neurons) - that's almost all the neurons the brain will ever have. A child is therefore already born with the basic building blocks for learning and remembering. Healthy brain development can be impaired in children if they are exposed to stressful situations for long periods of time without adult support.
 In the following diagrams you can see how toxic stress affects the child's brain.

Phase 1

Neurons are located in different areas of the brain.

Phase 2

As a child's brain develops, these neurons form new connections. These help the child to develop in the areas of behavioral control, motor skills, language, vision, memory and emotions.

Phase 3

In a safe and predictable environment with positive and reliable relationships with adults, a child's brain can develop healthily and form strong connections between nerve cells.

Phase 4

If children are exposed to severe stress over a long period of time, connections between nerve cells can break down again. Among other things, this can lead to learning and concentration difficulties, cause behavioral problems and put emotional strain on children. Permanent physical and mental damage can also occur.

Phase 5

The harmful effects of toxic stress can be halted or reversed when children are able to play and learn in a safe and consistent environment with caring adults by their side.

Our exercises to promote social-emotional learning can also have a positive effect on brain development.

Here are some examples of current project implementations

Transition
Daycare elementary school

to the program

Safe
Learning environment

to the program

If you would like to find out more about our project work, please take a look at the website of International Rescue Committee Germany um.

Take a moment and think about which child from your work context would benefit from practicing affirmations. Then take a look at the Affirmation card set of the Vor-Sprung project and select a card that suits this child. Think about how you can use this card to work together with the child. Again, use the pen and paper you have provided

 

The child I'm thinking of always tries very hard not to make mistakes. If he does make a mistake, the reaction is very strong. The child often reacts with great anger, which it directs at itself and sometimes also at others.

Please take a moment and have a look at the Affirmation card set of the Vor-Sprung project.

Then select a card that suits this child. Think about how you can use this card to work together with the child. Again, use the pen and paper you have provided.

Take a moment to answer the following questions about the affirmation you have chosen. You are welcome to use the pen and paper provided.

➡️ Which affirmation have you chosen?

➡️ How does the selected affirmation make you feel?

➡️ What negative belief could be behind this affirmation? Or how could you reformulate the selected affirmation into a negative one?

➡️ Can you remember where this negative belief came from? From your parents? From school?

➡️ Where does this negative belief limit you? Where does it make your life difficult or prevent you from doing something?