Parent Coach: Force Kids to School Fuels Burnout

Parenting coach Abi Clarke asserts that compelling children to attend school is leading to widespread burnout and could harm their long-term mental health. She suggests that children as young as five should be permitted 'mental health days' and that parents must take their children's desire to miss lessons seriously. Clarke highlights that symptoms such as overcompliance and apathy indicate significant distress in children who are treated differently than adults.

Clarke fears that pressuring children to attend school when they are struggling mentally or physically undermines their well-being and teaches them their health is unimportant. She proposes that trusting children's needs for a break fosters a healthier emotional environment. Abolishing 'good attendance' awards is also recommended, as they encourage children to ignore their needs and can be detrimental, particularly for neurodivergent students who may exhaust themselves trying to 'mask'.