The most important thing any parent can do is create a home environment that’s nurturing and supportive, and, be attuned to sudden changes in how children act because before they have words for what is going on their bodies will respond. Denise Dowd More Quotes by Denise Dowd More Quotes From Denise Dowd When you are exposed to this toxic stress, the fight or flight instinct is all you have, whether you’re being attacked by a bear in the woods or your father comes home drunk and screaming at you, these kids can shut down or they can become hypersensitive and ready to fight at the slightest provocation. Denise Dowd health