I’m saying this as a parent who is done pretending perfect attendance is some gold standard we should all keep chasing. My children are going to be in school, they are going to do well, they are going to pass their grade, and they are going to do all the things. But they are also going to live. When my child is absent because they need a mental health day, that should not be treated like a character flaw or a parenting failure.

Too many of us were raised to believe showing up no matter what is the whole point, and now we are adults who struggle to take time off, rest, or admit when we need a break. That mindset does not magically become healthy just because it starts in childhood. Kids are people, not machines. If we want children to grow into balanced adults, then schools need to stop sending the message that missing one day to reset is worse than burning out.

 And let’s be very honest, with the amount of school shootings happening in our country, some kids might have anxiety or PTSD from just going to school!

I am calling on school leaders to create attendance policies that allow a limited number of excused mental health days for students without punishment, shaming, or automatic academic penalties. Families should not have to lie, scramble, or feel judged for making a thoughtful decision about their child’s well-being. This is not about lowering expectations. It is about recognizing that a child can be committed to school and still need room to breathe.

If you believe our kids deserve support, not perfect attendance pressure, please sign this petition. Let’s push schools to treat mental health like health and give families the respect to make that call when it matters.