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With today's demanding academic environment, the well-being of school-aged children includes more than just physical health. As the world continues to open itself toward healthy mental health discussions, parents are now more expressive about their concerns regarding their children's mental health.

A recent national poll conducted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital provides insight into the growing trend among parents who wish to consider mental health when making decisions about their children's school attendance. 

Sick days beyond physical health

The decision to keep a child home from school due to illness is often accompanied by uncertainty for parents. While symptoms like vomiting or fever may be obvious reasons for a child to stay home instead of going to school, many situations are less clear-cut. 

According to the Mott Poll, over half of parents err on the side of caution, opting to keep their children home when unsure of the severity of their illness. Academic concerns also weigh heavily in the decision-making process, with parents increasingly factoring in the potential impact on grades and social interactions. Approximately 19% of respondents expressed willingness to permit such breaks, signaling a recognition of the importance of mental well-being alongside physical health. 

Co-director Sarah Clark emphasizes the need for parents to distinguish between typical social discomfort and genuine mental health concerns. While occasional discomfort is a natural part of life, parents must be attuned to signs of deeper emotional distress that may necessitate a day off from school.

School attendance policies

Despite the growing acknowledgment of mental health concerns, parents are aware of the importance of school attendance policies in maintaining consistency and academic performance. The majority of parents surveyed indicated that their child's school has an attendance policy in place, with many believing the policies to be reasonable. However, challenges arise for children with chronic medical conditions, whose absences are often unavoidable due to medical appointments or flare-ups of their condition.