Terry Talks: Toxic Stress (Discussion Guide)

The series "Toxic Stress" is part of Terry Talks, a curriculum of ongoing video presentations and supporting materials led by Terry Laura (Health Technical Advisor at Compassion International). The resources are aimed at equipping and encouraging health and child advocates to learn, build on, and put into practice their expertise in health, especially as it relates to children in poverty. Early childhood experiences affect the quality of the brain structure. Some stress is a normal part of healthy development, however high levels of stress in early childhood can actually reduce and weaken the connections in key areas of the brain. However, there are ways in which to help children overcome stressful experiences. Having committed relationships with caring adults builds resilience in children positively and permanently, impacting them for life. This supplemental guide is packed with more valuable information on toxic stress, as well as discussion questions that you can work through with your team to help define how you can take action to positively impact the lives of the children in your community.