In recent years, some companies have begun to encourage their employees to take days off from mental health, self-care, or wellness. Even companies that do not officially designate free time for mental well-being can allow workers to use personal days, sick days, or any other paid time off for these reasons. (And the sad reality is that millions of American workers still don’t have sick leave).
Just as adults occasionally need a day off to take care of their mental health, so do children, a concept that has gained strength. In 2018, Utah lawmakers expanded the definition of an excused school absence to include mental and physical illness. The following year, Oregon passed a similar law that recognized mental or behavioral health issues as valid reasons for missing school. Other states have followed suit by adopting (or proposing) related measures.
Last year’s pandemic has been tough for all of us, but the kids have endured one a lot. They were abruptly thrown into distance learning, isolated from their friends and relatives, unable to participate in extracurricular activities, and forced to adapt to other important changes, while managing great uncertainty.
“Now that we’re entering a full year since the start of the pandemic, the kids are exhausted,” Ann-Louise Lockhart – appediatric psychologist at A New Day Pediatric Psychology and parent coach he told HuffPost. “Many feel isolated, anxious, bored and depressed. They feel tired, discouraged and incredibly demotivated. “
“While there is value in many messages of perseverance and persistence, we must also send the message that balance and rest are important.”
– Ann-Louise Lockhart, pediatric psychologist
Now, children face a new challenge: returning to the classroom after a year at home. Some children may be excited to resume learning in person, while others are understood to be eager to go back to school.
They may be concerned about getting sick with COVID-19, who they will play with or who they will stay with, or how they will recover from homework if they are left behind. Students who have rejected face-to-face bullying during distance learning may fear being chosen again, said Michele Borba, an educational psychologist and author of the upcoming book “Thrivers: The Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine.”
The thing is, kids have a lot in the kitchen and deserve a day of mental health as much as anyone, especially right now. Children’s experts then explain why it may be a good idea, such as whether your child needs a day off and other ways to support them.
The Benefits of a Mental Health Day
Beyond the obvious advantage of having your child take a much-needed break, parents who give their children permission to take care of their mental health send some important messages.
On the one hand, it shows that you prioritize self-care and that you should do the same. In a culture that often celebrates working to the point of exhaustion, it’s powerful to remind your child that it’s okay to slow down. It signals that you care more about their mental and emotional well-being than external measures of success, such as notes or other recognitions.
“In many families, the message has been to work harder, move on and be strong,” Lockhart said. “While there is value in many messages of perseverance and persistence, we must also send the message that balance and rest are important.”
Sometimes children feel they need to lie to their parents and say they are physically ill to miss school. However, encouraging your child to take a day of mental health offers the opportunity to have an honest conversation about everything he or she is struggling with.
In addition, they have a habit of consulting with themselves on a regular basis instead of addressing only mental health issues once they reach the boiling point.
“Taking a break to take time for mental health and wellness helps teach children how to assess their difficulties and address them accordingly,” said clinical psychologist Cindy T. Graham of the Brighter Hope Wellness Center . “Instead of waiting until one experiences a full episode of depression, for example, it’s important to learn to see your early warning signs and implement appropriate coping techniques.”
Sign that your child needs a day of mental health
Graham said the way your child reacts to stress may seem different depending on their personality and temperament. Some children may verbally express that they are overwhelmed, anxious, or sad; some may be more reserved than usual. Others may show that they are stressed by their behavior; they may become more sticky or depend on you.
Disinterest or lack of pleasure in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed is one of the indicators parents can look for. Withdrawal of friends and family is another matter.
“They are increasingly disconnected from others and isolated from friends, with less desire to have meaningful social connections,” Lockhart noted.
You may also notice changes in your usual routines such as sleeping too much or too little or increasing or decreasing appetite.
Humor differences can also be signs to consider.
“Notice more irritability, anger, or low tolerance for frustrating or disappointing events,” Lockhart said.
While taking a break from school can provide short-term stress relief, in the long run it won’t help control mental or emotional health conditions. If your child is having a stressful week, this is one thing. But if they show the above signs over weeks or months, parents should consider connecting them with a therapist.
“An authorized clinician should treat recurrent symptoms of mental health difficulties to give your child the best opportunity to learn strategies that suit them and their situation,” Graham said.
How to support your child on the day off (and beyond)
Start by helping your child identify their main sources of stress and think about some healthy coping strategies together. Graham suggested a few, such as making a diary, creating a video diary, drawing or writing a poem or song. You can also schedule an appointment with your therapist, if they have one.
If possible, consider taking the day off as well and planning an outing or activity together, Lockhart suggested, though that’s not always possible. Either way, be sure to check in with your child during the day to see how they feel.
“Keeping questions open and encouraging your child to say what he or she considers in a“ judgment-free ”area helps promote feelings of security in communicating difficult feelings,” Graham said.
Give your child permission to rest, recharge, and let go of any feelings of guilt they may have experienced for spending free time. Remind them that a day of mental health is not about getting rid of their responsibilities, Graham said. “In fact, it is the opposite: to assume your responsibility to take care of your mental and emotional well-being ”.
Beyond taking an occasional day off, it’s important for parents to build regularly in time to talk about family well-being and tend to do so, Borba said.
“A time set in the family for daily mental health: walking, exercising, reading, taking a deep breath, playing in the sand, rubbing again, listening to soothing music, can be very helpful in helping children recognize this well-being. mental health, not just GPA and test results – it matters, ”Borba said. “.