How to Get Kids to Wear Face Masks?
Masks are the best way to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. But even if your child knows that they’re supposed to wear a mask out in public it can take some practice and positive reinforcement to get them in the habit of wearing a mask.
However, for many parents, getting a child to wear a face mask and leave it on may feel like a challenge. As schools get ready to reopen in the fall, many parents are looking for guidance, especially on how to encourage their child to wear face-covering during this pandemic.
Here’s why it is important to wear a face-masks for kids and a few easy tips to help your child wear their face mask.
- Explain to your child why face masks are important
Start by educating your child on why wearing a face mask is important to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Use age-appropriate language to talk to your child about Coronavirus. For younger ones stick to simple terms, you can talk to them like “Wearing a face mask helps keep us safe and others around us safe” or “wearing a mask can help protect us and others from germs”, repetitive words will encourage the younger ones to wear face masks. For older children, you can be more informative and refer to trusted resources.
2. Normalize face masks through play
Children learn through play, and this can also help them process their feelings. Give your child a mask of their favorite print, and one for their favorite toy. Practice putting a mask on their toy and consider having your child practice wearing the mask with the toy to normalize the situation.
Listen to what your child is saying during playtime, it’s a great way for a parent to learn how their child is understanding or feeling about a situation.
3. Provide fun and colorful mask options
As face masks become more common, it gets easier to find the kid friendly patterns and options at our online store. You can choose cloth masks that feature their favorite color and character. You can even have your child help choose a design, so they feel a part of the process.
When looking at kid-friendly mask options, make sure you choose the cloth face covering that is easily washable and sized for your child’s age.
4. Ensure your child’s mask fits correctly and comfortably
Making sure that your child’s mask fits correctly and comfortably will help prevent them from fidgeting with it. A cloth face covering should fit your child’s nose and mouth and be secured under their chin. Avoid any gaps on the sides by adjusting the mask’s fit so it snugs. Always check that your child can breathe easily when wearing the mask.
5. Enlist your child’s help
Giving children a job or responsibility can help them feel empowered and more in control of a situation. Designate your child as the family “mask monitor”. When leaving the house, have them check that everyone has their mask.
It can also keep them aware of the importance of masks.
6. Practice wearing a mask
Whenever you introduce something new into your child’s environment, it can help to practice and slowly get them comfortable with the change. Before bringing your child out in public in a mask, practice putting on the mask and wearing it for short periods around your home.
7. Model Healthy Behavior: Wear your own mask!
One of the best ways to encourage your child to wear a mask is to wear one yourself. Kids are watching and listening. They will notice how you talk about face masks and how you react when wearing one and they will follow your lead.
Wearing a mask is a big adjustment! Allow kids time to play while wearing the mask so that they can get used to it. Now the question arises, where to get the best kid friendly masks? To best answer this question, you can visit the Masqueteers kids’ mask collection to shop for the best cloth face mask for your child, as they are reusable, pocket-friendly that can fit best on your child’s face.
