How Do I Persuade My Child to Wear a Mask?
Wearing a mask when heading out of our homes is the new normal for everyone but it can take some persuasion and getting used to, especially for young children. Now that preschools are reopening, children aged 2 years and up are required to put on their masks. So how do we help them comply?
In the beginning, only doctors, nurses, healthcare workers and people who are sick had to wear masks. Now, due to Coronavirus (COVID-19), mask-wearing in public spaces is essential and compulsory for individuals around the world.
While many of us do find it uncomfortable to do so, we put it on to protect ourselves and others and can bear with the discomfort every time we have to head out for a grocery run or to work (for essential workers). But what about young children?
How Do Young Children React to Masks?
Some kids may be eager to wear a mask as they see people around them donning this new look. They see themselves as superheroes and are happy to be putting them on.
Some others are cooperative and will put on the masks when parents tell them to. Yet, they will continually adjust them, touch their faces, or pull them down whenever they feel like it is difficult to breathe.
Many children may feel afraid or even upset. They cry whenever parents put the masks on them, desperately trying to pull it off, or even run away.
As masks hide a portion of a person’s face, children are unable to see the friendly smile or recognise the familiar look of their parents or caretakers. When they head back to school, seeing all their teachers donning a mask, they may not be able to recognise them at first and start to cry. It takes time, but slowly, and gently, children will get to feel more comfortable with their masks and with the people around them wearing masks.
Creative Ways to Teach Your Child to Put On A Mask
Face Shields – An Alternative to Face Masks
With all these efforts, wearing masks for prolonged periods of time may still be challenging for young children. A good alternative that is more comfortable, while still protecting little ones, is the use of face shields.
Our Safety Management Officers assigned at each child care centre will also help to monitor and look out for any signs of discomfort when wearing masks or face shields.
With these tips to help you persuade your child to don that new normal look, you can be assured of your child’s safety when you return to work after the circuitbreaker!
About Mulberry Learning
Established in 2006, Mulberry Learning is an award-winning Reggio-inspired preschool with 11 locations around Singapore. Mulberry Learning is the world’s first and only preschool network certified by the USA for the Habits of MindTM framework, and its curriculum has been voted as “Singapore’s Best Holistic Learning Programme” for 3 years running by leading parenting publications.
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