Duvet days: Is it ever ok to give your child the day off school if they aren't sick?

"Is offering children the occasional day off a restorative act that could benefit their mental health or a big no no? We ask educators, parents and experts to weigh in"

"Every parent has heard the words, "Mum/Dad, I don't want to go to school today". While it's tempting to let them stay in bed and take a duvet day off, especially on cold winter mornings, as the responsible adult in the room, you know better."

"A duvet day, for those who are not familiar, is generally regarded as a day off school when children aren't strictly under the weather, but nevertheless are feeling burnout, tired or in need of a break."

Parents frequently encounter children refusing school and may be tempted to allow a duvet day, particularly in cold weather. A duvet day refers to taking a day off school when a child is not physically ill but feels burned out, tired, or needs a break. Educators, parents, and experts present differing views on whether occasional days off benefit mental health or harm attendance and learning. Key considerations include supporting wellbeing and preventing burnout while also maintaining routine, academic progress, and distinguishing genuine need from avoidance.

Read at Independent