Do you ever feel like you just need a break? A day to relax, sleep in, or binge-watch your favorite shows? Maybe you want to grab lunch with a friend and enjoy a glass of wine or two? We all need those moments, and it’s not just adults who benefit from them. Kids also deserve occasional days off from school.
I openly allow my children to miss school sometimes, and I won’t hide it from their teachers. Honesty is important to me, and I’ve learned to embrace my Irish Catholic guilt by simply saying my child needs a day off. Sometimes just one child stays home, while other times all four of them do, depending on the situation.
What Does a Typical Day Off Look Like?
Well, there’s no need to rush out of bed or take a shower at dawn if you don’t want to. If we planned a day off the night before, I let my kids sleep as long as they wish—unless, of course, we have something fun on the agenda. On these days, they can eat whatever they want, enjoy unlimited screen time, and lounge around without a care in the world. That’s my idea of a perfect day.
While I enjoy the planned days off, I find the spontaneous ones even more thrilling. Those are true “choose your own adventure” days. Our city has plenty to offer, so it might mean a trip to the zoo, a visit to the botanical gardens, or catching a daytime movie with popcorn and ice cream for lunch. The possibilities are endless.
A Memorable Day Off
Recently, I completely spaced on scheduling my kids’ annual Santa picture. This is a tradition we cherish, but due to COVID-19, appointments were limited. I waited too long to book, and the only remaining slots were during school hours. Sure, I could have dropped them off at school for a couple of hours, but that seemed like unnecessary driving. Plus, who wouldn’t want to take advantage of a random Wednesday off?
That day started with a delightful visit to their grandparents for buttery pancakes drenched in syrup. They spent time watching TV, playing on their devices, and just unwinding. It was nice to see them happy and relaxed for a change. When it was time to get ready for the photo, there were no bad attitudes or rush—just a calm flow as we prepared.
The Need for Balance
Sometimes, I feel like life has become too scheduled. With sports, scouts, dance class, and various commitments, it’s a lot for both me and my kids. Every night is filled with at least one activity, and sometimes, everyone just needs a breather. If I need a day off to recharge, why shouldn’t they?
I’m not one to chase perfect attendance; that kind of pressure isn’t for me, and I don’t want it for my kids either. Their mental health is just as crucial as their physical well-being. I’ve taught them to approach me if they ever feel overwhelmed, and we’ll find a solution together.
They’re welcome to request a day off whenever they feel the need. Sometimes I grant it, and sometimes I don’t, but typically they each get one day per semester to unwind and escape the pressures of everyday life. It’s not just my older kids; even the little ones can take a break. Mental health knows no age limits.
Creating Cherished Memories
I hope my children will look back fondly on these days off as they grow up. Childhood is fleeting, and I want them to enjoy every moment. Yes, education is important, but so is having the freedom to wander through a toy aisle hand-in-hand with their mom or snuggling up with a blanket and a dog during a random Tuesday movie instead of being stuck in math class. It’s perfectly acceptable to wake up and spend a day exploring with siblings just because.
Life is short, and childhood is even shorter. So why not make the most of it—even if that means playing hooky for a day?
Additional Resources
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In summary, allowing children to take occasional mental health days is essential for their well-being. These breaks help them decompress from the pressures of daily life and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.