Why Mental Health Days Are Important For Children

Kids have busy lives and so do you! If you and your children feel overwhelmed by activities like homework, sports, chores and more, it might be time for a mental health day. I like to call them “Family Skip Days.”

While it might feel challenging to fit mental health days into our busy schedules, it’s important to prioritize mental health and well-being to help the whole family recharge.

What Are The Signs?

While everyone feels down at times, you might consider a mental health day if your child is feeling persistent sadness or showing frustration that does not match the situation. You can look for these signs too:

• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Difficulty concentrating or completing tasks
• Increased irritability or anxiety
• Negative comments on social media
• Noticeable stress of feelings of being overwhelmed
• Physical complaints (like stomachaches) without a clear cause
• Withdrawal from social activities

If a child threatens to harm or kill themselves, it’s a serious warning sign that should never be ignored.

While some behaviors may be more obvious in teens, they can be harder to spot in younger children. Watch for things like frequent, unexplained temper tantrums; persistent nightmares; or ongoing disobedience and aggression. No matter their age, all children can benefit from mental health days.

Tips For Successful Mental Health Days

Mental health days should be fun and relaxing, not stressful. Here’s how I make these days easy to schedule and fun for my own family:

• Schedule wisely: Pick a day when your family has the fewest obligations to reduce the stress of rescheduling other events.
• Start the day strong: Sleep in and help your children pick out or make their favorite breakfast in their pajamas.
• Pick enjoyable activities: It will feel more special if your kids can help decide the activity.
• Connect with your kids: Ask your child if there’s anything on their mind or if something is bothering them. You can talk while you’re cooking, playing or walking to a park.
• Rotate the time: If you have multiple children, rotate activities so that each child has some one-on-one time with you.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If your child expresses feelings of anxiety, depression or other mood disorders, you may consider reaching out to a behavioral health professional. It’s OK if your kids are not OK.

If you think that your child could benefit from meeting with a behavioral health professional, you can book an appointment online without a referral at www.luminis.health/behavioralhealth.

Lastly, the most important thing is to get out of the house and enjoy your time together. Put away the phones and turn off the TV and game consoles. A mental health day is not about checking out; it’s about checking in with your child and being present without any distractions.

Dr. Jesselina Curry is the system medical director for ambulatory behavioral health services at Luminis Health.

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