It was barely 9:30 a.m., and my tween was already overwhelmed with her remote learning tasks. Her Zoom access code was malfunctioning, she was struggling to grasp two assignments from her to-do list, and the relentless rain outside eliminated any hope of outdoor play. She was done, and frankly, so was I. I was juggling not only her needs but also those of my other three children who were all engaged in their own e-learning.
Like many parents, our journey through crisis learning has been challenging. Initially, I tried to manage everything at once, determined to keep us on track. This quickly became overwhelming and frustrating. We had to reassess our priorities. What could we let slide, and what was essential? Even while sticking to a routine and simplifying their workload, there were days when we simply needed to pause and declare a mental health day.
The truth is that just because our kids are learning from home doesn’t mean their experiences are any less stressful or daunting. In fact, crisis learning has proven to be more challenging for my kids in various ways. Let’s face it; I’m not equipped to teach fifth-grade math or provide speech therapy. My children sense my frustration and uncertainty, leading to a chaotic atmosphere. If I’m struggling with my own mental health, particularly when my anxiety flares up, I can’t effectively support my kids in managing theirs. Remember, parents can’t give from an empty cup.
This isn’t about throwing in the towel when things get tough. Life during quarantine is already complicated. Pair the constant togetherness with both my partner and I working from home while assisting four kids with their schoolwork, and the past few months have been incredibly difficult. We’ve learned that a perfect balance is unrealistic; sometimes, we just need to take a break for the sake of our sanity.
If our kids are having a tough time mentally, they aren’t learning effectively. There’s no sense in forcing them to complete a social studies worksheet or join another Zoom meeting if they’re clearly struggling. Making them push through only drains their limited energy and focus, which creates a miserable environment for everyone. As parents, we have the authority to call a day off and prioritize mental health.
Right now, we have a unique opportunity to teach our children to listen to their minds and bodies. If they exhibit signs of anxiety or depression, it’s crucial that they acknowledge those feelings and act accordingly. They shouldn’t ignore those warning signs until they escalate. The best approach is for parents to model how to take a mental health day and encourage their kids to express when they need a break.
I refuse to push my children to the brink of burnout. Instead, we take a proactive stance. If I notice they’re becoming overwhelmed, we hit pause. Sometimes it means enjoying a healthy snack, going for a short walk, or setting schoolwork aside for a while. If we reach a point where a longer break is necessary, we’ll take an entire day off. We might spend the day in pajamas, dedicate time to free play like building with Legos or reading, and watch a movie together. Often, our kids just need our permission to reset.
You might be curious how teachers perceive this approach. Luckily, my kids’ educators have been incredibly supportive. Many of them are navigating their own challenges while teaching, so they understand how overwhelming quarantine can be. We maintain open communication with them, sharing when we need extended deadlines or when assignments require a do-over. To date, we haven’t encountered any pushback for prioritizing our mental well-being.
Some parents may view my approach as coddling. They believe that taking mental health days isn’t practical in “the real world.” However, it’s essential to recognize that this isn’t the usual reality we’re accustomed to. The pandemic has reshaped our world, necessitating new rules and perspectives. As parents, we have the chance to teach our children to be resilient and adaptable while also advocating for their needs.
The mental health of our children is just as crucial as their emotional, spiritual, and physical health. All these aspects work together to promote overall well-being. When one area is compromised, it can affect the others. Therefore, we choose to take mental health days when necessary, much like we would if a child were physically unwell. We unapologetically prioritize our children’s holistic needs over strictly academic ones.
I won’t drive my kids to the point of complete exhaustion. We’re working to lessen their workload so that their daily tasks feel more manageable. When tough days arise—and they inevitably will—we recognize it’s time for a mental health day. After all, there’s always tomorrow.
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In summary, allowing your child to take a mental health day during remote learning can be beneficial. Prioritizing mental well-being over rigid educational structures is essential, especially in these trying times. Remember, flexibility is key to nurturing a healthy and supportive home environment.
Keyphrase: Mental Health Day for Children
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