Positive stress is stress that children feel when they face a challenge. However, this stress can help children focus and motivate them to do their best. Examples include stress before a test, a big game, or a recital. After the challenge they face is over, the stress goes away. 

Positive stress can help children learn how to cope when dealing with bigger challenges and opportunities they face. It can also teach children how to adapt to changes and build their confidence. 

Chronic stress is stress that lasts for more than a few weeks due to difficult life events. 

Life events that can lead to chronic stress: 

• Having a serious health condition 

• Losing a parent or close family member 

• Any kind of lasting adversity 

• Dealing with racism, discrimination, and gun violence

Overtime, chronic stress like this can lead to physical and mental health. 

Traumatic stress is stress that comes from events that are serious, intense, or sudden.

 Traumas that prompt traumatic stress: 

• serious injuries

• accidents

• threats

• abuse

• violence