Is holiday stress hurting your kids?

Spiritual stress
What it looks like
"Spiritual stress happens when a child's belief system is challenged," says Leifso. "There are more religions and cultures in our society now than ever before. This challenges our kids to wonder what is right and wrong and what is truth." As teens become more sensitive to religious intolerance, they may not understand how to celebrate within their own faith while still respecting other religious traditions. Even adults stumble over whether "Happy Holidays" is more appropriate than "Merry Christmas." Also, if your family doesn't practise any formal religion, kids may be intrigued or confused by classmates who do celebrate a faith-based holiday.

How you can help
• Explain and explore the beliefs of others -- it's a good way to understand and accept differences.

• Check out bookstores and the library for books on multicultural holidays at this time of year and read about them together.

• Ask your friends from different ethnic or religious backgrounds for any special seasonal delicacies, then trade with some of yours and experience what other cultures eat.

• Balance giving with receiving. Include a charity or two as a component of your celebrations. For example, let your kids pick out the groceries that you'll put in the food bank's collection box, or have them go through toys they have enjoyed and pick out the best and drop them at a community centre.

5 on-the-spot stress-busters
1. Make time for one-on-one talks with older kids or play with younger ones.

2. Turn off the TV, computer, music and some lights, sit on the floor and help them clear their minds, then take deep breaths for a few minutes.

3. Teach kids how to use visualization (picturing themselves handling a situation well) and self-talk ("I know I can do it") to prep for stressful situations.

4. Enjoy an extended cuddle in bed with the whole family, including pets.

5. Take a giggle break: a gentle tickle, silly jokes and goofy looks.

Feeling stressed out this holiday season? Read 7 ways to reduce holiday stress.

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