Once a year, my mom gifted me something special: a “mental health day.” I was given permission to skip school and spend the day with her, doing whatever my heart desired—just the two of us. Whether we were indulging in a shopping spree at the mall, lounging in our pajamas for a movie marathon, or enjoying a picnic at the park, these days were treasures I eagerly anticipated. They remain some of my fondest childhood memories.
There was never a fixed date for these mental health days; my mom simply knew when I needed a breather. And let’s be honest—kids need breaks just as much as adults do. While their lives may not be stressful in the same ways ours are, they face challenges that can feel monumental from their limited perspectives. We often romanticize childhood, recalling how easy it was, but let’s not overlook the tough parts. When the going gets tough, kids can’t always take a step back, which often leads them to fake illnesses as their only escape route.
I wholeheartedly believe in the rejuvenating power of an unexpected day off, which is why I’ve carried on the “mental health day” tradition with my four little ones. I can tell it’s time to hit the reset button when they start showing signs of stress—a spat with a friend or an unusual reluctance to rise for school. When they’re feeling drained, a day off is just what the doctor ordered. Surprisingly, their requests for these days are rarely extravagant. They often just want to spend quality time with me, whether that’s gaming on Xbox or making a grocery run for snacks like Cheetos.
Sure, our definitions of a fun day may differ, but the joy and relief my kids experience make every minute of a Minecraft marathon worth it. I can practically see their emotional tanks refilling—not just from the much-needed break but from the precious one-on-one time with their mom. It’s like watching flowers bloom after a long drought.
Finding quality time can be challenging, especially in a bustling household. But when I take one of my kids out of school, there’s no one else vying for my attention. We have hours to talk and laugh, and I’m reminded of just how incredible these little people really are. It’s a little sad to think about how often I rush through life without truly seeing them. But when I take the time to focus, I’m often left in awe.
I understand how refreshing it is to take a step back now and then, and I want my kids to know that prioritizing their mental well-being is perfectly okay. I hope that through these special days, they learn two crucial lessons: it’s important to take care of oneself, and I love spending time with them.
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In summary, allowing my kids to take mental health days is a way to ensure their emotional wellness, while also nurturing our bond. These days off provide them with the necessary space to recharge and remind them that their well-being is just as important as their responsibilities.