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Kids Deserve Mental Health Days Too
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Kids Deserve Mental Health Days Too
By Lucy Thompson
Updated: May 14, 2020
Originally Published: Sep. 27, 2016
What’s a parent to do when their child wants to skip school but isn’t physically ill? Should you grant them a day off if they claim they need it?
I was the quintessential high school overachiever. I excelled in my classes, participated in clubs, and had a solid circle of friends. I never skipped school, didn’t cause trouble, and was generally a model student.
Related: How To Recognize Signs of Potential Mental Health Issues in Your Child, According to Experts
Typically, I walked the 1.5-mile route to school, but one day during my sophomore year, I asked my mom for a ride. I had stayed up late cramming for a test I felt unprepared for, and I doubted I’d make it to school on time if I walked.
As my mom drove, I felt a wave of pressure, anxiety, and exhaustion wash over me. I stared out the window, trying to appear composed, but my mom could sense something was off. She asked if I was alright, and before I knew it, I blurted out, “I think I need a mental health day,” as tears streamed down my face.
In that moment, my mom did something remarkable – she immediately turned the car around. I mentioned my test, and she reassured me I could make it up. “I need mental health days sometimes, too,” she said. I let out a sigh of relief, feeling the weight lift off my young shoulders.
That moment has always stuck with me – my mom’s understanding, the emphasis on self-care, and the permission to take a break when necessary. Her simple act of turning the car around was incredibly validating.
Childhood and adolescence are more challenging than we often realize. Kids and teens are in a constant state of growth, learning, and figuring out how to navigate a complex world. They’re bombarded with expectations from adults and peers alike, all while juggling schoolwork, extracurriculars, family obligations, and friendships. Many are also grappling with anxiety, depression, bullying, learning disabilities, or other mental health issues, which complicates their already busy lives.
I know some people believe that today’s kids are overly pampered. The term “special snowflake” often gets thrown around to describe a generation perceived as fragile and incapable of handling life’s challenges. While I get that perspective, I don’t equate allowing kids to take mental health days with coddling. In a world where many don’t prioritize self-care, we have to teach our children how to recognize when they need a break.
Of course, it’s not always straightforward. Many parents work outside the home and may not have the luxury of taking a day off for an emotionally struggling child. Although mental health is as crucial as physical health, our society doesn’t always treat it that way. But perhaps we should reconsider that stance.
It’s easy for adults to underestimate children’s struggles, dismissing their challenges as trivial simply because they’re young. But if your child expresses the need for a day off to recharge, don’t brush them off. Nurture their understanding that mental health matters and equip them with tools to face life’s hurdles.
Everyone needs a mental health day now and then. Teaching kids to recognize when they need a break and giving them permission to take it is a valuable lesson they’ll carry into adulthood.
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Summary:
Kids are under immense pressure and can benefit from taking mental health days, just like adults. Encouraging them to recognize when they need a break is crucial for their well-being and development.