Wearing a mask on a regular basis is unheard-of in the yesteryears. Helping your child understand why he or she needs to wear a mask is essential to reduce the discomfort, fear, or worry. Consider these efficient tips to convince your child to wear a face mask.
#1: HELP YOUR CHILD UNDERSTAND
Get your point across through age-appropriate explanations. Pre-schoolers learn through play. Allow your child to role-play by putting a mask on their stuffed animal or doll. You may also let your child make his or her own mask or decorate it with stickers and paint.
Children from ages 5 to 12 learn best through knowing the purpose of their actions. Usually, they do not just want to be told what to do. They want to understand why. The typical questions that you may get are as follows.
Question: “What’s Coronavirus?”
Answer: Coronavirus is a new type of sickness — like a stomach flu or cold. Because it is new, doctors and scientists do not know a lot about it. We need to be extra careful to keep everyone safe. Let us do this by wearing a mask.
Question: “Why do I have to wear a mask?”
Answer: Covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough helps to avoid the spread of germs. Wearing a mask can help avoid the spread of the virus. Some people may get really sick because of this new virus. When you put your mask on, you are becoming a special helper that keeps the people safe.
#2: LET YOUR CHILD CHOOSE HIS OR HER MASK
Put value to the opinion of your child by letting him choose his own mask. Your child may want put his favorite character on his fabric mask. Let your child’s imagination run while by providing art materials. They will be more eager to wear a mask that they like. Do check for comfort and ensure that the straps are not too tight or too loose.
#3: BECOME GOOD ROLE MODELS
Practice wearing a mask with your child at home and when you go outside. Be good role models to your child by wearing your mask correctly at home and in public places. You can even make a fun game out of it. Whoever wears his or her own mask first will win! Keep your expectations reasonable and gradually increase expectations as your beloved child gets used to the way a mask feels on his or her face.
#4: GIVE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENTS
Whether you want to give a tangible token or an encouraging praise to your child, you can provide positive reinforcements that will help your child wear a mask. You do not need to break the bank for this!
You may also let your child hear statements like: “I love wearing my mask. It keeps other people safe. You can try it too.” Your child will appreciate the positive attention. You may also let your child watch videos that emphasize on the power of wearing a mask. See for yourself:
