Due to the pandemic, the world has changed drastically over the past few months and we are unfortunately forced to do things that we never expected. One such thing is wearing a face mask which is probably the top priority nowadays.
Epidemiologists say that people wearing face masks will be less prone to airborne infections in the community. The governments and the politicians across the states have recommended and made it mandatory to wear face masks.
We have covered the importance of wearing face masks in our previous blog post; this blog focuses on kids as well as adults. The basic rule is that if you’re not sure of maintaining six feet of social distancing from others, both kids and adults must wear face masks.
Adults might get used to wearing masks but when it comes to kids, it will be an unusual experience for them and it could be difficult for them to resist it at first. Kids usually get comfortable with new things through their exploration. Initially, they will keep touching the face mask when they’re wearing it. Later, they might also have a negative reaction to masks.
Home is the first place where the child learns and receives his first education. Hence it is better to develop new behavior at home before they can do it successfully outside of the home. You can choose this technique to help them get used to seeing and wearing masks with preparation, repetition, and positive effects. Continue reading to know how to help your kids to wear face masks.
How to help kids to wear face masks
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Make them aware of the importance of wearing a mask: Remember how we taught them to sneeze into your elbow? So in the same way teach them that wearing a mask to prevent germs from spreading. It’s just a simple way to tell others that you care about them. Watch the video below that can help further.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KRuP1QGmhU&feature=youtu.be -
Admit their frustrations
Not only kids but even adults are frustrated by how Coronavirus has impacted their lives. It could be quite difficult for kids to cooperate. So adult needs to help them to acknowledge this and normalize their feelings.
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Begin practicing when the timing is right
Practice when kids are in a pleasant mood, well-rested and well-fed. Practicing in the right mindset will be easier for everyone to have a positive experience.
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Practice at home first
Let your kid touch the mask, and hold it as many times as they want. This will help them build their skill and comfort themselves. Then have them wear it to their mouth for as longer as they can. Initially begin from a few seconds and then progress up to a minute or more.
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Stay Positive and Make it fun!
Practice with kids many times that eventually help them to keep the mask for a longer period. Instead of pointing out when they are touching the mask, point out when they are not doing so.
Once you notice that they are comfortable keeping masks for a longer time, have them do fun things while wearing them. Practice putting on their toys or dolls. Distraction can really help them to ignore some of the uncomfortable sensations while wearing a face mask such as the warm, wet breath and tightness around the face.
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Instead of commanding them, use polite, clear, and Kind commands
Use words like “please” in your sentence. Instead of saying
“Do not touch your mask”, say “Please keep your hands away from your face. In short replace the words like “No”, “Stop”, “Don’t”, or “can’t” with positive and active statements. Following this method can make them to have desired behavior.
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Allow them to practice with others
Make them practice with their friends or family members. You might also do this on video calls too. Kids learn new things quickly from their surroundings, especially from their friends.
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Let them take breaks for relaxation during the practice sessions
Allow your kids to take a break if they are overwhelmed during the practice session. They will only find it helpful if they have a practice mind and relaxed body during practice sessions. If they are uncomfortable with masks while practicing, allow them to take a quick break.
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Provide incentives when necessary
Most of the kids need more practice to get used to new behavior. Offering them the incentives while they are trying to learn something new would be a great approach. You can either give them their favorite meal, extra playing time, and others.
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Be an idol to them
Elders set a great example by practicing wearing masks too. You must be positive, calm, and easy-going while wearing the mask. This positive behavior of you will set a good example for your kids. Even they will follow the good practices.
Make sure you follow all the above practices and let your kids used to them. Along with practicing wearing the face masks, make them used to other healthy practices such as washing hands every often, maintain social distancing, and so on.
