I think it is more of a reminder that one can take care of one's self and one is not a child. I sometimes remind students they are adults - look you are an adult and are making choices (when they write and ask me if they will be missing anything important in class if they skip. I don't respond with justifying my syllabus or with a "no - this date is a complete waste of time so you can skip without worry"- but rather with the reminder that they are adults who can choose - the requirements of the course, including attendance, are on the syllabus - make your choices from there)