?I don?t want to go to school today,? my six-year-old muttered into her pillow as I opened her blinds and started rifling through her closet for clothes.
?How come"? I asked, throwing a pair of jeans onto her bed. She usually woke up bright and happy, so I assumed something must be upsetting her: A bully, a school project, maybe a sore throat.
?I just want to be with you,? she replied.
My instinct was to pull the blanket back and say, ?Yeah, well, I don?t want to work today, but I have to, just like you have to go to school.? But instead I surprised both of us. I told her she could stay home.
In fact, I?ve let my kids, including my preschooler, skip school several times since then, and will continue letting them do this as they get older. Admittedly, my work-from-home job affords me the flexibility to keep them home on a whim. But more importantly, I?ve come to realize something: Kids need mental health days, too. A few years ago, I would have scoffed at this. What does a six-year-old have to worry about" Her responsibilities are virtually nil, schoolwork consists of practicing her printing, and her day is structured around play. But to suggest she doesn?t have stress, simply because my stresses are bigger (bills, taxes, career) is shortsighted. Dismissing her worries and fatigue won?t help her learn how to manage stress and avoid burn out as she grows. I?d rather teach her about self-care now, while she?s young. And yes, even little kids need self-care.
That firs...