Should Kids Have Mental Health Days?

CLEVELAND - Every school year, children eventually need to take a sick day – but what about a mental health day?

“Mental health is health. And we absolutely need to take children's emotional well-being seriously, first and foremost. Mental health days in general can be used effectively. They are nuanced, though,” said Emily Mudd, PhD, psychologist for Cleveland Clinic Children’s.

Dr. Mudd said an appropriate time for your child to take a mental health day is if they are feeling especially overwhelmed.

For example, they have a lot going on with school and are dealing with some family issues too.

She said your child shouldn’t spend their mental health day just laying around watching TV or scrolling on social media.

Instead, she suggests spending quality time with them to talk about how they are feeling and doing something that helps bring them joy.

The goal is for them to feel rested and recharged.

“Where it kind of becomes nuanced is we know that for significant anxiety, or for children who have trouble going to school, or who are avoidant of school, taking a mental health day or repeated mental health days can actually impair their functioning, and we know that can increase anxiety. So, it's nuanced in knowing what it really looks like for your child specifically,” she explained.

Dr. Mudd said if your child is repeatedly asking to stay home or making up reasons why they can’t go, that merits a deeper conversation.

You may also want to consult a mental health professional.