07/16/2026
We see this play out with the youth experiencing homelessness served by our Host Homes. The first weeks of a placement are really about establishing a sense of felt safety, which takes time and is vital to their long-term success. Only when trauma is addressed do they have the capacity to work on education, employment, and housing goals. We are grateful for our wonderful team of Hosts for their empathy and patience.
Stress doesn't just change how children behave—it changes what their brain is able to notice.
When the nervous system senses danger (whether the threat is real or simply perceived), the brain shifts its priority from exploring to surviving.
A child who was happily learning, playing and connecting may suddenly seem clingy, rigid, avoidant or overwhelmed. They're not choosing a smaller world. Their brain is creating one to help them feel safe.
Understanding what's happening beneath the behaviour helps us respond with curiosity instead of frustration.
Have you noticed your child's world becoming "smaller" when they're stressed?
đź“– If you'd like practical, research-based strategies to better understand your child's emotions and behaviour, you'll find them in Guidance from The Therapist Parent.
Find it here: www.thetherapistparent.com
