SICK DAY OR SCHOOL DAY AGREEMENT - A Children's Story

Parents, listen closely. If your child tells you they are too sick to go to school, there is a simple, calm, and entertainment-free couch test that quickly helps reveal the truth. This agreement gives you and your child a predictable boundary with no arguments, so you can carefully observe mild discomfort versus real illness. Here is the one-page contract you can have them sign so honesty, responsibility, learning, and peace stay protected in your home.

SICK DAY OR SCHOOL DAY AGREEMENT

This agreement is between the parent/caregiver and the child to support honesty, responsibility, learning, and communication.

Purpose

We agree that school matters and that honesty protects both the body and the future. Excuses should never replace responsibility when a child is capable of keeping the school promise. Real sickness deserves rest, calm observation, and family care.

The Couch Truth Test Rule

If the child says they are too sick for school, the parent/caregiver will observe symptoms on the couch in the family room or living room with simple care foods allowed. The parent/caregiver remains calm, listens closely, and decides with kindness and attention.

If the child chooses to stay home from school, the following applies:

1.     The Child will remain on the couch all day in the family room or living room under direct Parent/Caregiver observation

2.     There will be no TV, no books, no games, no tablets, no devices, and no entertainment of any kind

3.     The Child will stay on the couch until bedtime that evening

4.     The day ends only when bedtime begins

5.     If the Child is truly sick, they will want to rest and sleep all day because healing lies in rest, not distraction

6.     If symptoms worsen, the Parent/Caregiver will respond with appropriate medical care, compassion, and attention

Boredom will often reveal pretend sickness quickly, but the child’s dignity is always protected in real illness.

Child Promise

The Child agrees:

1.     To tell the truth about their symptoms

2.     To keep the school promise whenever mild discomfort is present and they are capable of going

3.     To rest all day on the couch with honesty if they choose to stay home

4.     To speak up kindly to a teacher or school helper if they become worse at school so others can help them properly

5.     To remember learning friendships and showing up for themselves builds a steady heart

Parent/Caregiver Promise

Parent/Caregiver agrees:

1.     To assess sickness claims calmly and carefully

2.     To honor couch rest for real sickness

3.     To encourage school attendance when mild symptoms do not prevent learning

4.     To hold predictable loving boundaries that remove argument, shame, or frustration

Signatures

Child Name: _______________________
Child Signature: ____________________
Date: _____________________________

Parent/Caregiver Name: _______________________
Parent/Caregiver Signature: ____________________
Date: _____________________________