ROGERS, Minn. — The Schmitz household in Rogers is home to three students.
Their mental well-being is always at the forefront.
"Critical to who they are. Critical to their functioning," said Mary T Schmitz. "If they're not mentally well, they're not able to learn, they're not able to connect with other."
She supports the option of allowing mental health days for kids.
"I want my children to learn capacity to recognize in themselves to say this is something. I have a need in myself," said Schmitz.
Florida, Utah, and Oregon have now passed or filed legislation to allow mental health sick days.
Minnesota in 2009 passed a bill that says conditions that require ongoing treatment for a mental health diagnosis qualifies as an excused absence.
A written note from a professional may be required.
Minnesota Rep. Jim Davnie, Chair of the Education Finance Committee, says he anticipates lawmakers having conversations about updating Minnesota's law for mental health absences.
"This is for the first time equating physical health and mental health," said Marybeth Lardizabal, a Child Adolescent Psychologist at Allina Health.
"Destigmatize the need to take a day to tend to our mental health, but we also need to have more mental health education in schools for staff and for students."
Allina Health also has the "Change to Chill" program. They partner with 16 area high schools to help teens improve mental well-being.
"Techniques to help with stress," said Lardizabal.
"It's about building trust and working together," said Schmitz. "Allow students to be well.
RELATED: Making mental health a priority