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Children Deserve Mental Health Days Too
by Sarah Johnson
Updated: May 14, 2020
Originally Published: Sep. 27, 2016
What should you do when your child expresses a desire to skip school, but isn’t physically ill? Should you permit them to take a day off for their mental well-being?
In my high school days, I was the epitome of a model student. I achieved high grades in advanced classes, participated in multiple clubs, and maintained a solid circle of friends. I never missed a day of school, stayed out of trouble, and was generally a good kid.
Typically, I walked the mile and a half to school. However, one day during my sophomore year, I asked my mom for a ride. I had stayed up late studying for a test that I felt unprepared for, and I feared I’d be late if I walked.
As we drove, the feelings of stress, pressure, and exhaustion began to overwhelm me. I stared out the window, trying to gather myself, but my mom noticed something was off. She asked if everything was okay, and that’s when I broke down. “I think I need a mental health day,” I managed to say through my tears.
Reacting perfectly, my mom turned the car around without hesitation. I mentioned the test looming ahead, but she reassured me that I could make it up later. “I need mental health days sometimes, too,” she said, and I felt an immense weight lift off my shoulders.
This moment has stuck with me throughout my life. My mom’s understanding, her emphasis on self-care, and her validation of my feelings taught me the importance of taking time for myself when necessary. That simple act of turning the car around was incredibly significant for me.
Childhood and adolescence are challenging periods—often more complicated than we realize. Kids and teenagers are constantly evolving, learning, and trying to find their way in a world filled with conflicting messages from adults and peers. Their lives are busy with schoolwork, extracurricular activities, family obligations, friendships, and the pressure to think about their futures. Many also face mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or bullying, making their lives anything but carefree.
Some people argue that today’s children are overly pampered, labeling them as “special snowflakes” who are perceived as too fragile to handle life’s difficulties. I understand that perspective, but I don’t see offering kids the occasional mental health day as coddling. In a world where many struggle to prioritize self-care, allowing children this opportunity can be incredibly beneficial. I’ve seen too many individuals, both young and old, reach a breaking point from burnout, often resulting in unhealthy coping mechanisms. I want better for my children.
It’s crucial to instill in our kids the value of hard work and ambition, but equally important is teaching them to listen to their mental and emotional needs. If adults can take personal or sick days, why shouldn’t children have the same option? As long as it’s not a habitual excuse for skipping school, letting kids take a day off now and then for their mental health is a valid choice.
Of course, this isn’t always straightforward. Many parents work outside the home and may not be able to take a day off for a child’s emotional struggle. While I believe mental health is just as important as physical health, society often doesn’t treat them equally. But perhaps it should.
As adults, we might mistakenly assume that children’s lives are simple and their problems are trivial. However, that’s far from the truth. When a child tells you they need a day off to recharge, take them seriously. Teach them that prioritizing mental health is essential, and equip them with the tools to handle life’s ups and downs. Self-care should be part of that toolkit.
Everyone needs a mental health day from time to time. By helping children recognize when they need a break and giving them the permission to take it, we’re providing them with a valuable lesson that will serve them well into adulthood.
This article was originally published on Sep. 27, 2016. For more insights on mental health and parenting, check out our other posts on privacy policy.
In summary, allowing children to take mental health days fosters understanding of self-care and emotional well-being. This practice can help them navigate life’s challenges more effectively.