As long as a kid isn’t being habitually lazy or taking advantage of a parent’s sympathies, letting them stay home from school when they aren’t physically sick is a good idea once in a while.
Of course, it’s not always that simple. Many parents work outside the home and can’t simply take a sick day for their kid who is emotionally struggling. Though I could argue that mental health is as important as physical health, our society doesn’t view them the same way. But maybe we should. It’s easy as adults to think that children’s lives are simple, that their problems are small just because their bodies are. But they’re not. If your kid tells you they need a day off to breathe, don’t dismiss them out of hand. Teach them that. Give them the tools they need to tackle life’s challenges, and include self-care in that toolbox.
We all need mental health days on occasion. Teaching kids when to recognize when they truly need a break and giving them permission to take it is a gift that they will cherish well into adulthood.