Recently, companies have been encouraging mental health days for their employees to be mentally fit. With the ongoing pandemic, kids have had to change their routine around distance learning, being isolated from their friends and family, not being able to participate in extracurriculars, and other changes while living in this uncertain world. Once kids start going back to school, they need to be able to take mental health days as well to calm the anxiety of the risks of contracting COVID-19 or being able to catch up with their schoolwork.
Mental Health Day Benefits for Kids
Parents who grant their kids mental health days are sending their kids an important message. It means that you are prioritizing their self-care and that you, as a parent, should for yourself. It is sending the message to your child that it is okay to slow down and that their emotional well-being is the most important thing. Kids would normally lie about being physically sick to avoid having to go to school and deal with the problems they are facing. If parents encourage their child to have a mental health day, the whole family can have an open conversation about what kids are struggling with.
Signs Your Kids Need a Mental Health Day
How a child expresses their mental health symptoms may vary. Some children verbally express what is wrong when they are overwhelmed, anxious or sad. Some may hold their feelings in. Other children’s stress can be based on behavior like if they are clingy or more dependent on you. They also may be withdrawing from activities they used to love as well as family and friends. Sleeping more or less can also be another factor. It is one thing for your kids to have a stressful week, but another if these symptoms are lasting for months. Lasting symptoms must get professional attention.
How to Support Your Kids
Help your child identify the source of their stress and come up with healthy coping strategies together. You can schedule their therapy appointments, help them create a drawing or a journal, and just spend time with them. You can take the day off, too, and schedule an outing with your kids. No matter what, always check in with your kids to see how they are feeling to ensure their mental health day is a successful one.
The pandemic has brought on a lot of stress for kids, and parents, as a result of virtual schooling and being away from their friends. Kids and parents can use mental health days to recharge and have some fun. At Alta Loma, we understand how crucial it is for everyone, not just kids, to have a mental health day away from the stress the pandemic has brought. Located in Georgetown, Texas, we can provide men with the tools they need to thrive, such as family treatment, individualized therapy, therapeutic recreational activities, and more. Please give us a call at (866) 457-3843 for more information.
