When a child is stressed—by too much noise, abuse or violence, for example—a hormone called Cortisol is released and washes over the brain. This keeps his heart racing and his brain anxiously looking out for signs of danger. When children "live on the edge" like this, they end up using all their brain power for survival instead of for learning. And later in school, they can lose the ability to engage in logical thought and creative problem-solving.
Of course, no home is completely stress-free. In fact, a little bit of stress keeps us all on our toes. But if you know a young child who’s growing up watching or experiencing violence and abuse, get involved.
Look under Social Services in your phone book’s Yellow Pages®, or call 800-996-6228. A call now just might prevent damage to a child’s brain—damage that can last a lifetime.