This morning, my son, Ethan, claimed he had a stomachache—again. It’s always on math test days, and somehow, his symptoms vanish by lunchtime, just in time for him to ask for his favorite snacks. I try to check his temperature, but he suddenly perks up if I mention a doctor’s visit. I can’t help but wonder: is he really sick, or just overwhelmed by school? I remember faking sick myself as a kid, but now, as a parent, it’s hard to know when to be strict and when to be compassionate. The line between a real illness and a much-needed mental health break feels blurry. Do you ever struggle with this too? How do you tell when your child is truly unwell, or just needs a day off? I’d love to hear your stories and advice—sometimes I feel like I’m the only one second-guessing every decision. 🤷‍♂️ Parenting #FamilyLife #SchoolStress #RealTalk #Parenting #FamilyLife #SchoolStress #RealTalk #FamilyRelationships