Today Finlee (my 5 year old) and I wagged school. Before anyone starts to judge, please hear me out. For the last 2 school weeks, every… single… night Finlee has had a massive melt down. I’m not simply talking about a little bit of crying, I’m talking about bawling his eyes out to the point he can hardly breathe, screaming etc. And when he calms down, I ask him: “do you need a hug” and within seconds he’s been in my arms. It was at that these moments I knew, Finlee and I would be embarking on a new parent journey; wagging school.
Nurturing Mental Health in Children
As a mental health clinician, I’m always talking with my patients/co-workers about the importance of self-care. The value of having a day off and the positive impact it has on not only on our mental health, our relationships, but even with our productivity at work. So after the first week of meltdowns with Finlee, I got to thinking that if I can encourage my patients/co-workers and even myself to have a day off, then why am I not supporting this for Finlee. So last night before bed, I spoke with Finlee about having a day off to have some “mommy time” and let’s just say his smile on his face needed no words because it spoke millions.
This morning when Finlee woke up he was already relaxed. He was excited about the day’s events. There were no tears, but rather laughter echoing through our home. Our day started off with a stop to our local cafe Tognini’s where it was blueberry and raspberry muffins all around. We then hit the outlet shops for a little shopping for a gift we needed to purchase and since we were already there, we also hit up the candy/lolly shop. It was then a stop for morning tea to see our friends Richard and Sarah’s new baby girl Millie and from there (with great excitement might I add) we hit the new movie Inside Out; where we inhaled candy/lollies, juice boxes and a big ass diet coke for me.
Importance of Listening to Our Kids
After the movies, Finlee wanted to go to the shops and check out the toys. How can I say no to this request, when I love toys just as much as he does? As we made our way to the toy store 2 importance conversations happened that may have not happened on any other day because of the busy life we have.
Conversation #1
Finlee – Those sure are beautiful dresses Mommy. I wish I could have one of them.
Me – What is it about the dresses you like?
Finlee – They’re colourful.
Me – Why do you wish you could have one?
Finlee – (Insert a very shy smile) Because… I want to buy it for Aida.
Me – Why Aida?
Finlee – (insert giggle) She’s a girl. I like her. She would like a dress.
Me – I agree Finlee. I think Aida would love one of those dresses.
Conversation #2
Finlee – Do you know what hand ball is Mommy?
Me – Kinda. I know Daddy is really good at it; why?
Finlee – I like handball. I need a handball.
Me – Why do you need a handball? Is it for that game foursquare?
Finlee – Yes, it’s for foursquare. I like to play it, but don’t know how and when I do play it the big boys always win. I want to be like the big boys.
Me – Finlee let’s go find the handballs.
Finlee – awesome Mommy.
These 2 conversations gave me the opportunity to listen and connect with Finlee. I was also able to explore with Finlee the friendship he has with Aida (something I didn’t know) and also the how important it is for Finlee to learn how to play foursquare (again something I didn’t know).
Benefits of Wagging School and Giving Your Child a Mental Health Day
In 7 hours of wagging school, I was able to see that the benefits ultimately out weighed the risks with wagging school for 1 day. Yes, he may not have been at school for sight words, science, reading and anything else school related, but today we talked. We held hands. We laughed. We connected. We made memories. We started a tradition. We were calmer. We were happy. And because of all these things, I believe Finlee will have the head space to start next week refreshed and ready to learn.
I’m mindful that in the next few years, Finlee may start to distance himself from my husband and I. It won’t be “cool” to hang out with the parents, but I strongly believe if I can lay a solid foundation now, where I role model the importance of self care and show Finlee that I understand his needs then maybe, just maybe when he’s older I won’t get pushed to far away.
So whether or not you call it wagging school, having a mental health day, connecting with your child, my advice to you … follow your motherly instincts. Nobody knows your child better than you do, so if they need a day off to wag school and have a mental health day then honor it.
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Love what you’re saying here. I think it’s really important to have special days occasionally where your child knows you’re consciously allowing them breathing space. To my ex-husband’s disgust, I used to let my daughter have her birthday off if I didn’t have to work. She loved it, & as the ‘poor relation’ following my divorce, it felt great to give her something really special that wasn’t about money. You’re a great Mum x
I love that you connected with your daughter on her birthday; that rocks!!! What I love must is that it wasn’t about money, but rather just being with one another.xx
Too often the cause of kids meltdowns are ignored and the focus is on the results of it.
What a great mum you are to see that your child needed a break and some extra love.
I totally agree with you about the focus being the end results vs what’s happening in the moment. Kids are just mini adults, trying their best and need space just as much as we do. Have an awesome day. xx
Love this article! We have 2 boys (9 &13) and we have a tradition in our family of the “day off lazy”. Once a term they can call time out and have a day at home with me. We have done this since my oldest was in kindergarten. Our kids have a great sense of boundaries and self care and I think this has been part of it. In terms of long term effects… Both of our kids are excelling at school and have a good sense of dedication and perseverance so I can’t see any downside to our day… Read more »
LOVE the name “day off lazy,” so cool. I think it’s so important to talk about self care because if they can nurture this now, things in the future will be so much better. xx
Thank you, thank you, thank you. We are at the same point with Miss 5. My beautiful girl is turning into a monster! This is exactly what I with thinking about doing one day this week!
You’re very welcome. I hope you had a beautiful day together. xx
What a great idea honey and such a refreshing perspective to modern parenting life. We get so busy these days and we just need that time out with our kids. Or rather our kids need that time with us!
Thank you for the kind comments. Yes, we live in a crazy busy world and sometimes I think all they need is time to slow down and just be with us. Have a great day. xx
I’ve allowed my kids to occasionally wag school and have a “lazy day” when they’ve needed it for years…..my son who is now 16, in year 11, and has an after-school job, had one today! He knows his physical and emotional limits and knows when an early night, a sleep in, or a day off is required for his own wellbeing. I think it’s important to teach our children to not only self care, but also be self aware so they can recognise the signs that some timeout from their busy lives is required before they begin to struggle to… Read more »
such wise words Ange – love this.. and yes a mental health day or doona day once in a blue moon isn’t a bad thing… I have a good friend (who has 5 kids) and once a year they have a turn at having the day off school and having a date with their mum… go out for a nice lunch and then choose an activity or outing that they’d like to share with her. I love this idea! I’m not sure how I would pull that off with only 2 kids as they tend to hate missing out on… Read more »
Hi Kate – thanks for taking the time to send a message. Yes, mental health days are sooo important for both adults and kids on so many levels. Wishing you and your family a wonderful week, Ange xx