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Parents Granting 6 Mental Health Days Yearly for Kids
22 Nov
Summary
- Average of six mental health days off school granted yearly by parents.
- 70% of parents report improved child happiness with "time and space".
- New government measures aim to boost England's pupil attendance rates.
Parents are increasingly prioritizing their children's mental well-being by allowing "duvet days" from school, with research indicating an average of six such days are granted per year. A substantial 70% of parents report observing enhanced child happiness and better behavior when children receive dedicated time and space away from academic pressures. This approach acknowledges that children may sometimes feel "under the weather" emotionally, warranting a day of rest and care.
This trend surfaces as schools in England grapple with an attendance crisis, with truancy levels remaining a concern. In response, the government is implementing AI-generated attendance targets for schools in an effort to raise rates, which have not fully recovered since the pandemic. Notably, many parents, particularly those who have adjusted to working from home, express greater flexibility regarding their children taking days off compared to pre-pandemic times.
While severe absenteeism remains a concern, the article suggests that occasional mental health days, characterized by extra TLC and personal space, can be beneficial. Some parents even arrange engaging activities for their children on these days. This approach emphasizes a move towards prioritizing a child's overall well-being over strict adherence to perfect attendance records, especially as the school year progresses and pressures mount.
