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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 owned 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
Difficult for tiny ones first of all to understand why behind the masks. Then they explain I can really breath & it feels hot/itchy. The most profound comment came from the 4yr old. I can not tell what you are saying and how can I eat/bite my cookie or drink my juice box? This is silly but I want to stay well!
Totally get that. I hate the hot muggy feeling face masks give too but they are worth it to me. They do however make it harder to understand people which is a bummer.
My seven year old daughter does a pretty great job wearing a mask. We travel a lot as a government service family, so we are always flying or on trains, etc. and it’s so hard on her, but she’s such a good sport about it all.
So glad to hear your daughter is a trooper when it comes to face masks
1,000 times yes, but I can’t hardly blame them. Heck, I can barely stand to wear one because I have breathing issues already, let alone a kid being annoyed that something is constantly on their faces. It’s really hard, but as a whole, I think we need to take this a little more seriously.
Totally agree – people really need to realize this is life now and we need to make it the best we can
The kids in the family are doing pretty good at wearing masks. These would be super fun in our house.
I’m glad all the littles in your life are doing well with the new way of life
i think these are neat the adjustable ear loops kids probably need them i dont know if my grandkids have any issues with wearing them because they are both homeschooled but they do however wear them in city
The adjustable ear Loops are great and make the mask fit tight against your face
My sons both are fine with wearing their masks. I think it’s important to let them choose the style of the masks that they want to wear so that they are happy with it and can express their own sense of style.
Totally agree — if they like the style of the mask they are more likely to wear it
My kids (2 and 4) do not like wearing face masks! They may start out wearing them, but5 minutes later they’re taking them off. The masks we currently have are not adjustabe, finding a correct fit would probably help.
I’m sure it’s tough for younger ones to constantly wear a face mask. I have a hard time getting my 94 year old grandfather to stop messing with it
My grand kids have no problems wearing mask. They realize that is the only way they are allowed to be around other people so they accept it
That’s great they are not having a hard time wearing a face mask
My kids don’t actually have a problem with the masks. After I found some that fit ok it was even better!
I’m glad you found face masks that work for you
This would be alot of fun for the kids while teaching them the importance of being safe.
Yes safety is the most important thing
My kids do great wearing their masks. They get to pick the ones they like best.
What Mask Styles have they chose so far?
I think these are some really great tips to help children wear masks. My nephew is three and struggles with keeping one on.
I can imagine. I know I don’t enjoy breathing in hot air. I hope these tips help!
My kids hate them. I’ve tried buying pretty ones, or ones with their favourite characters on but it doesn’t help. I understand as I struggle as well; I feel like I can’t breath properly and have to take it off as soon as I can.
I’m sorry you’re having a hard time with your kids and face mask. Eventually, they will understand and keep it on. Time will help.
I don’t think ANYONE is thrilled about wearing face masks but they are important right now to stop the spread of the virus. My youngest grandson has a hard time wearing one, but his two older brothers do well and manage just fine.
I know what you mean – face masks aren’t my favorite thing for sure
At first the masks were not something they really wanted to wear. They still do not care to wear one as it hampers them. But I can see with different characters it might be something they would wear. Make it their own.
Characters and fun colors definitely help kids wear face masks
Thank you for these tips. My son is 9 and has a hard time.
I’m sorry to hear that. Does he just not like having something on his face constantly?
It’s that and the fact he has trouble breathing because of his asthma.
Awe, poor thing!
It was certainly challenging at fist when wearing a mask but
We practiced at home throughout the day and it became second nature. Everyone often forgets that they have them on in the car after school even. It’s wild what we can become accustomed to.
Yes most of us are getting used to a face mask life
I love that these masks have such bright colors and fun patterns. The fact that they come with a mesh wash bag is a great bonus.
Yes it’s great that these come with a bag to wash the face masks in too
I have eleven grandchildren and yes they do.
@tisonlyme143
I’m glad to hear all your 11 grandchildren wear a face mask
Yes they do, I have eleven grandchildren and I am always having to make adjustments or tell them hold still while I fix it. They constantly move around or get worn out.
@tisonlyme143
You sound like an awesome grandmother
My kids dont really mind earing them (9,7 and 4). I just had to find the ones that worked best for them individually. My dauhter likes hers lose, my son likes his tight and my 4 year old only wears ones with Pokemon on them.
That makes sense – I like mine to be tight on my face
this would be good for my family and for my family and for my friends.
These face masks are great for everyone!
My 11 yr old son and 3 yr old daughter are fine, my daughter doesn’t go to populated areas so she doesn’t wear it too much. I also have a 4 yr old daughter with Autism and she will try her mask on and then takes it off after a few seconds. She goes to a preschool for children with Autism and they are only doing a class of 4 and don’t require masks because they know the children won’t keep them on. She is required to wear one for the school bus but only for entering. I support masks and would love to try these masks, all the ones I’ve purchased for my kids I haven’t liked the best.
I can see how it would be hard to get some kids to wear face masks at that age. All you can do is your best
Initially, when it was first mandated that everyone where face masks , my family had to get used to them; but, (sadly) now its second nature!
Yes we are all getting very used to face masks. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing lol
The children are actually very good at wearing their masks. It would be nice to get some more comfortable, cute, child sized masks.
These Crayola face masks are a great size for kids
I had no idea crayola was in the mask business. they are very colorful.
They sure do! They are some of my family’s favorite face masks so far
My daughter has been adjusting. She is 4 and at first we had issues with masks. But we found some that fit and adjust well and things have been going better. These crayon masks looks very similar in design and it would be great to have more masks to choose from (and to have as we clean the used ones).
I think you would love the adjustability of these Crayola face masks
My kids do okay wearing masks but I do have to remind them to not touch the mask constantly.
That can be hard – it’s hard with all that hot air trapped in the masks.
My 7 and 11 year old grandson have no problem wearing their masks. They just do it.
I’m glad to hear your grandchildren have no problem wearing a face mask
Love these tips, I really like the idea of empowering my oldest to care for my 2 younger kiddos. Really good idea. It’s been a bit of a struggle from time to time, but they’re good as long as they have easy access to their favorite masks:)
What do their favorite masks look like? Fun characters?
My youngest son is really good about wearing his mask. My older two don’t like it too much
I find that interesting – you would think it would be the opposite
My kids don’t have a hard time wearing a mask. They are online schooling and stay at home most of the time. So they don’t wear a mask daily. But they understand the need to wear one so I think they would do okay if they need to more often.
My kids are in the same boat — and when they do go out they don’t complain about wearing one.
Surprisingly, they wear the masks like a pro! We hardly leave, but when we do, they never complain! 🙂
Sounds like you have some good Troopers there
My kids do not mind wearing their masks as long as they are cute. But, these are some great tips for me to remember too.
I’m glad colorful designs help your children wear face masks
We go hiking at our nearby State park and they don’t understand why we wear our masks but others don’t.
We explain some people don’t think you can get it outside but we don’t know if the wind can carry the virus and we can’t stay 6+ feet away on some of the trails.
That’s great you wear a face mask even outside!
My youngest grandson started wearing a mask a month before his 2nd birthday when he started back to daycare. He had the choice of which mask to wear. He loves wearing the mask which is the right size for his face. Plus he wanted to wear one like his 8 year old brother.
That’s how my boys are – the younger one always copies the older one
Luckily my kids are older (tweens) and so it was pretty easy to get them to wear masks since they understood what was happening. I’m also fostering two younger kids and I think the older kids’ example has really helped with their mask-wearing.
I’m glad having good examples helps you’re younger kids wear a face mask
My 3 year old daughter liked masks in the beginning now she refuses to wear them. We actually lost one of her masks in the store because she threw it off 🤦♀️.
I could see younger children doing that with face masks! I remember my son used to like to play the mommy go fetch game
My kids don’t have a problem wearing the masks, I ask them to, they do as I ask. By getting ones that cover their whole lower face, it actually keeps their face warm.
Keeping your face warm is a great perk during winter
Thanks for the tips
I like these and wish they came in a medical version (the blue type masks) like these cloth ones. If Coronavirus is easy enough to kill by using washing machine soap, you’d think they could come up with a something that can go in your body to kill it as well. Oh well just my thoughts 🙂
I guess that’s why they are working on the vaccine. Hopefully it works!
I like how the masks are starting to be more stylish and stuff.
I actually like that I hope it stays a trend after all this.
I’ll probably always want to wear one now.
That’s great you love face masks that much! I kind of like them too because they hide my face when I’m not wearing makeup lol
My three granddaughters that live with me have no problem with wearing their masks. These would be nice from Crayola. Thank you for the opportunity. Stay Safe & Happy Holidays!
That’s great you live with three granddaughters!
My kids aren’t too bad about wearing a mask. I would say the biggest problem would be looking over at them and seeing that they aren’t covering their noses and I have to tell them to pull the mask up.
Ahh, that would bug my husband lol. He hates seeing adults do that in stores.
My kids actually like wearing a mask, they think it’s fun! They never complain about it either, which surprised me a little bit. I know I can’t stand wearing one, I get claustrophobic quick. It does help when you get to wear a super cute one though!
I bet my son would have loved wearing a mask when he was younger. He was big into dress-up 🙂
My grandsons have been pretty cooperative. They have some problems keeping it snug around the nose & chin just like the adults.
You will love these Crayola face masks then. With them being adjustable they fit nice and snug on your face
My kids don’t mind wearing masks. They pretend it’s dress up 😊
That’s great – my son would have totally have done that when he was younger
These are great tips. I have 3 kids and it was so difficult for my 4 year old to wear a mask.
Have you tried getting him to pretend it’s dress up?
Honestly she does for long periods of time but being out and about for a few hours seems to work the best! My daughter is very hyper so I am sure it gets a bit hot on her face!
That’s true – face masks do get hot
I like how the straps are adjustable
We love that feature too! I like my face mask to feel snug.
My daughter is fairly ok with wearing a mask. My son is better with the homemade fitted ones. I have one store bought he pulls down on his nose.
Is your son younger than your daughter?
My youngest is 5 and has a hard time. The other kids are used to it. I hate it that it is something we are getting used to as a society. What a crazy time we live in.
There’s probably a good chance that face masks will become the norm (I think) even after COVID slows down
The twins will start off wearing it, but it’s on and off their nose eventually. They are two therefore, they don’t understand the importance of keeping their nose/mouth protected when we have to go out.They are aware that we put one on when we go out though. They will go get it on their own.
Awe I bet it’s hard for them to understand but they will get used to wearing a face mask in time