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- I let my 1st grader stay home sometimes when she’s not sick. I don’t want her to feel like she has to push through feeling ‘off.’ (businessinsider.com)
Sometimes, a first grader just needs a day off. That’s the philosophy of one local mom who lets her 6-year-old daughter stay home from school occasionally, even when she’s not sick. “She loves school, so when she says she doesn’t want to go, I know something’s up,” the mom explained.
This understanding approach stems from the mother’s own experiences. “As an adult, I’ve often felt pressured to always be ‘on’,” she shared. “I want my daughter to know it’s okay to have off days.”
While she acknowledges the importance of attending school, this mom prioritizes her daughter’s emotional well-being. She described two instances where her daughter woke up feeling “off.”
Rather than forcing her to go, she allowed her to stay home and simply relax. “I ask her if anything’s bothering her, but I don’t push,” she said.
“Usually, she comes to me when she’s ready to talk.”
The mom’s strategy seems to be working. After a day of rest and play, her daughter is typically eager to return to school the next day. “She’s a ball of energy, so a quiet day at home can be just what she needs,” the mom observed.
This local parent’s approach highlights the growing awareness of mental health, even in young children. By allowing her daughter to take mental health days, she’s teaching her a valuable lesson: it’s okay to listen to your body and mind, and sometimes, a break is all you need.