What Is a Mental Health Day?
A mental health day for children is similar to those that adults take for work. Children stay home from school that day to reduce stress, take care of their mental health and prevent burning out. It provides an opportunity for them to focus on recharging, recovering from overwhelming stresses, clearing their minds, and resting their bodies. It’s important to consider a few key things when deciding whether your child should take a mental health day.
Did something happen at school that they don’t want to face and deal with? Have they been feeling more anxious, upset, or overwhelmed lately?Did they just finish a massive school project? Have they been studying hard for an important exam?Have there been any significant changes or stressful events that happened at home? For instance, divorce, death of a loved one, severe illness, a big move, or job loss.Is there someone that they want to avoid? Do they feel safe going to school?Do they have a lot of homework and due dates to meet?
If they’re wanting to skip school so they can go hang out with their friends or not take a test, those probably aren’t valid reasons for a mental health day.
Benefits of Mental Health Days for Children
Every year, 1 in 6 children between the ages of 6 and 17 experience a mental health disorder. In 2019, more than 1 in 3 high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Burning out and pushing ourselves past our limits does a lot more harm than good. Parents can help children recognize when it’s time to clear their minds, relax, and recharge. Mental health days have been shown to improve the quality of sleep, decrease stress, improve emotional regulation, and increase relaxation. There has been a legislative trend that recognizes and supports the mental health of our children. Some states have passed legislation that allows students a certain number of mental health days and/or excused absences at school.
What to Do On A Mental Health Day With Your Child
Everyone reacts to stress differently and has different ways to cope. Explore a variety of activities with your child and let them take the lead on what’s right for them. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Emotionally Connect
One of the best things you can do for your child on their mental health day is to be present and available. Give your child undivided attention and approach them with openness and honesty. They may not want to share with you right away, but be patient with them. Create a safe space that encourages them to share their concerns. Listen fully, avoid judgment, and don’t jump to conclusions when they speak. Let them know you’re there to support and understand.
Move Your Body
Exercise does wonders not just for your physical body but for your mental health. Movement allows our bodies to naturally release feel-good endorphins and reduce stress hormones. It helps protect against depression and anxiety, improves body image, and increases self-esteem. Ask your child how they want to move their bodies. If they can’t come up with something, put some fun music on and have an impromptu dance party.
Get Those Creative Juices Flowing
Whether it’s painting, drawing, crafting, journaling, composing a song, or writing a short play, creating art is an effective way to express our thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Focus on having fun and forget about structure and rules. Let their imaginations run wild.
Let Nature Nurture
Get some fresh air and bask in the outdoors. Go for a walk in the park or have a picnic in the yard. If it’s raining, dress for the weather and find a covered spot to listen to the rain. Being outdoors has been shown to lower blood pressure, boost mood, improve attention, reduce anxiety and depression and decrease stress hormones.
Practice Mindfulness
Meditation may be difficult for younger children but embedding mindfulness into calming activities can help them appreciate the joy of being and focus on the present.
Nourish Your Body
During rushed school days, meals can seem like a checkbox. Instead, on your child’s mental health day, slow down and take the time to cook a meal together. Look for a healthy recipe for your child’s favorite food and prepare it together. While you’re eating it, you can mindfully appreciate the flavors and textures of the ingredients.
Listen to Music
Music is a language that transcends cultures and generations. Ask your child to share with you what they’re listening to.
