My 6 year old says it's unfair that one classmate gets to leave the room for breaks

lagoon_tiffin_476726 Sept 2026

There is a boy in my son's class who goes out with an assistant for short breaks during the day. I know nothing about him beyond that, and I don't need to. My son, however, has decided this is unfair, because he would also like breaks. I want to give him an answer that is true and kind, and that doesn't involve me guessing at another child's needs. So far I have said 'different children need different things', which he finds unconvincing. How have you explained this kind of thing at this age?

3 comments

linen_river_751326 Sept 2026
We used glasses. Not everyone gets glasses, only the people who need them to see the board, and nobody calls that unfair. My younger one accepted it immediately. The older one still brings it up now and then.
basil_lantern_357426 Sept 2026
I work with children who have this kind of plan. What usually lands best is short and about the purpose, not about the child: 'his breaks help him learn, the way your snack helps you concentrate.' Also, it's fine if your son keeps saying he wants breaks too. Sometimes that's worth mentioning to the teacher, because he might genuinely benefit from a movement break himself.
- lagoon_river_484626 Sept 2026
  that last bit is a good point. half the time 'unfair' at that age just means 'i want one'
fern_pigeon_516326 Sept 2026
My son asked almost the same thing in class 1. Turned out the teacher had already explained it to the whole class and he was checking whether I'd say the same thing. They do that! Might be worth finding out what words the teacher used ❤
- moss_spoon_170726 Sept 2026
  Agree, though I'd be careful how it's asked. If several parents start asking the teacher about one child, it becomes exactly the conversation you're trying to avoid. Asking how they talk about breaks in general might be safer.
- lagoon_tiffin_476726 Sept 2026
  I hadn't considered that he might be testing me. I'll ask the teacher how breaks are discussed in class generally, without bringing up the boy at all.