Stress is a normal part of childhood. A new caregiver, a change in routine, frustration or learning something new can all activate a child’s stress response.
But sometimes stress comes from something much bigger.
For families across our community, the recent tornado is a very real example. Even when a child was physically safe, they may have experienced frightening weather, emergency alerts, disrupted routines, damage to familiar places or the stress and uncertainty felt by the adults around them.
Young children may not have the words to explain how experiences like these affect them. That’s one reason paying attention to behavior and development over time matters.
Stress, behavior and the developing brain
When a child experiences stress, the body responds by releasing hormones, including cortisol. This response is normal and serves an important purpose.
The concern comes when significant stress is frequent or prolonged and a child’s stress-response system remains activated without enough support and opportunity to recover. Research shows that prolonged activation can affect the developing brain and areas involved in learning, attention and emotional regulation.
The good news? Supportive, responsive relationships are powerful. Caring adults who provide comfort, consistency and connection can help children feel safe and help their stress response return to normal.
Sometimes behavior is communication
Following a frightening or disruptive event, parents and caregivers may notice changes. A child may be more fearful, have difficulty separating, struggle with sleep, become more emotional or simply seem different from their usual self.
These behaviors do not necessarily mean something is wrong. But they can be a reason to pay attention, ask questions and look at the bigger picture.
That’s where Help Me Grow can help.
Help Me Grow Wisconsin gives families a simple, free way to check in on a child’s development through developmental screening.
A screening is not a diagnosis. It helps families:
- Better understand how their child is growing and developing
- Celebrate strengths and milestones
- Identify areas that may be worth watching
- Receive activities to support development at home
- Connect with a Family Navigator who can help interpret results and explore next steps
- Find trusted local resources when additional support may be helpful
And because development is a journey, not a single snapshot, developmental monitoring and screening over time can help families recognize changes and identify concerns earlier.
A trusted place to bring your questions
Sometimes a screening provides reassurance. Sometimes it offers new ideas for supporting a child at home. And sometimes it helps identify a next step.
Whatever the result, families don’t have to sort through the questions alone.
Help Me Grow Family Navigators listen, help families understand screening results and connect them with resources that fit their individual needs.
Especially following a stressful experience in our community, checking in can be a meaningful way to better understand how a child is doing today and continue supporting their development in the months ahead.
Help Me Grow is a statewide initiative powered locally by First 5 Fox Valley. Developmental screenings and Family Navigator support are free for families.
Sources & Further Reading
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University
A Guide to Toxic Stress
Information about stress responses, cortisol, developing brain architecture and the protective role of responsive relationships.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Helping Children Cope with a Disaster
Information about how children may respond following a natural disaster and ways caregivers can provide support.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Developmental Monitoring and Screening
Guidance on developmental monitoring, screening and the importance of early identification.