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This face mask post was created in partnership with SchoolMaskPack. I was not financially compensated for this post but did receive a sample for review purposes. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support me!
Kids over two years should wear masks to protect themselves from Coronavirus.
Kids are used to reading people’s faces, and when they don’t see this, some kids get scared. Parents can encourage mask-wearing and make it fun.
Change is inevitable but not easy to accept, especially for kids. Here is how you can help your child feel comfortable wearing a mask.
Explain the Importance of a Mask
Your child will wear a face mask if he understands why; use age-appropriate words to explain how a mask protects him from Coronavirus.
Use simple phrases to explain how the virus spreads and how to stay safe.
Be consistent and repeat these words so they understand and get used to wearing this covering.
You can also explain that face masks protect us the way gym accessories do while we work out. It is easier to explain to older children because you can use reliable resources and illustrations to describe preventative measures.
Empowering kids helps to save lives and keep the nation safe.
Make it Fun
Kids learn through play and observation; make stuffed animals and pets wear masks to encourage them.
Or, make a DIY face mask as a fun activity; do this while explaining how to wear and take it off. Encourage them to add a signature, such as a name or a drawing to their DIY mask. This creates a sense of ownership, and they might want to show off their creativity by wearing the mask.
If it’s around the holidays SchoolMaskPack offers holiday face mask sets.
For example, during Halloween, they had mask sets featuring ‘scary’ faces and now for Christmas, they have masks with your favorite holiday character’s faces. Think Santa, reindeer, snowmen, and more.
What makes these masks even more fun is that you can add 3D accessories like Rudolph’s nose to your mask!
Pick the Right Face Mask
One of the easiest ways to make your child wear face protection is to choose the right one.
Cloth face masks are an excellent option for many kids, while others may find disposable ones easier to breathe through.
Make sure that it fits appropriately; covering the mouth and nose. Ensure that elastic ear loops don’t cause irritation or chafe.
Your child will love the mask if it fits correctly, has funny faces, characters, or is super colorful; choose something fun and cute.
You don’t need something dramatic like a full face snorkel mask.
SchoolMaskPack Face Masks
Lately, our go-to masks are the CRAYOLA™ Reusable Face Mask Sets from SchoolMaskPack. They offer colorful and fun face masks for kids, teens, and adults.
These face mask sets come in five different colors; one for each school or workday. This way you avoid using the same and potentially dirty face mask again and again.
SchoolMaskPack makes washing these face masks extremely easy too by providing a mesh laundry bag with each set. That means you just toss the mask in the bag at the end of each day and only have to wash them once a week!
These are the first masks we have owed that have adjustable ear loops. Let me tell you, we love this!
With other masks, if the earloops are too big you just have to make do or tie an unsightly knot.
Being able to adjust the earloops means you can get a better fit and lessen gaps. Which in my opinion increases its safety.
SchoolMaskPack Face Masks all have a nose clip and even a name tag to prevent your kiddo from losing them at school (which is bound to happen).
We found these face masks to be very soft and comfortable and have everything we want in a face mask and more. We highly recommend them!
Practice
Children do what they see adults doing; it would help your kid adjust to wearing a mask if they saw you wearing yours. If children see you and their older siblings wearing face coverings in public, they will follow your example.
You don’t have to wear colorful kids’ masks to encourage your young ones; seeing you go to work with your black face mask is enough for them to follow suit. However, SchoolMaskPack’s face mask color choices and designs are hard to pass up.
This will become the new normal, and your child will grab a mask when going out in public. You can also encourage your children to wear them for short periods at home so they can get used to this activity and a new way of life.
Have them look in the mirror to see that they are still the same person; nothing changes.
Responsibilities and Engagement
One way to make a child feel empowered is to give him responsibilities; assign him the duty to ensure that all family members cover their nose and mouth when stepping out.
The young one will be so happy to help everyone stay safe; this will encourage him to lead by example.
You can ensure that your children don’t touch their faces while in public by engaging them in various activities. Ask them to hold groceries, etc.
Praise
Your kid will repeat a specific behavior if you praise him, for instance, when he wears a face mask without being told. Use phrases like “well done” or “I knew you could do it” to encourage the positive behavior of wearing a mask.
Kids might be confused and overwhelmed by the changes taking place around them; therefore, they need encouragement and support. Although praise is important, you need to support their little efforts and encourage this behavior.
Praising your child for remembering to wear a mask is appropriate and encouraged. You can also praise him for trying.
Even if your child knows they’re supposed to wear a mask out in public, it can take some practice – and positive reinforcement – to get them in the habit. Here are some tips to make it easier!Click To TweetConclusion
Wearing a mask is one of the surest ways of protecting yourself and others from the spread of Coronavirus. Although babies and those below two years cannot wear masks, other kids can and should be taught how to do it correctly.
It can be challenging to convince children to wear face masks; however, you can achieve this and keep everyone safe with patience and creativity.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced trying to get your child to wear a mask? Please leave a comment.
Rachel Burns is an experienced copywriter and photographer with a design diploma. She works with startups, entrepreneurs, bloggers, and companies from around the world. In addition to writing articles and promotional materials, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family.
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I actually haven’t had a hard time getting my kids to wear face masks. My husband had a cold a few weeks back and the kids and I all wore masks at home in an effort to not get sick. The masks worked for 2 out of my 4 kids, and also for me. I guess masks aren’t 100% effective when you consider sharing a bathroom and touching surfaces that someone who is sick touches. But I was glad at least some of us stayed healthy.
I’m sorry to hear your husband was sick but glad the masks helped some