Author: Dr. Kristin Condon

Even for adults, mask-wearing was an adjustment in this pandemic.  Many of us have little exposure to wearing a mask or insight into the tricks of the trade for avoiding fogging up our glasses.  For kids, seeing others in masks can be anxiety-provoking, especially with all of the nonverbal cues that get covered up, and wearing face coverings can be uncomfortable in the summer heat.  Here are a few tips for fostering comfort, safety, and cooperation:

1. Be playful

Inexpensive masks can be found in all sorts of colors, styles, sports team logos, and messaging.  Choosing something appealing for your kid can go far in helping them adopt healthy mask-wearing habits.  For younger kids, using superhero themes and imagery can keep this playful and imaginative.

2. Focus on health 

It can be helpful for kids to have a context for understanding the rationale for everyone wearing masks.  In a time when very little feels in their control, kids benefit from learning that wearing a mask is one thing they can do to help take care of others and prevent the spread of the virus.

3. Model

Ensure your child sees you and other adults or characters he admires wearing a mask.  Look up famous mask-wearing statues, such as the two lions outside of the Art Institute of Chicago, Nancy Schön’s Make Way for Ducklings sculpture at the Boston Public Garden, Disneyland character statues, or The Magic Carpet Ride surfer in Cardiff-By-The-Sea, California.  If there are shows or movie characters your child enjoys, a Google search can often reveal images of them donning masks.  Seeing masks often and on people that your child already finds fun or trustworthy engenders greater comfort and ease.

4. Practice

It takes practice for kids to learn to wear masks properly by covering their nose and mouth and avoiding face-touching/constant adjusting of their mask.  The more often your child has exposure to wearing their mask, the better they’ll be able to manage wearing it effectively.  Rehearse wearing a mask at home often, look in the mirror to teach how to wear it safely, and practice putting the mask on their favorite doll or stuffed animal.  When practicing, ensure the mask has as comfortable a fit as possible, without tugging too tightly at your child’s ears or wiggling too loosely underneath their eyes.

5. Designate special roles

Older kids may be encouraged to have a special role in teaching younger siblings how to wear a mask and keeping an eye out to ensure masks are worn correctly.  A small bit of healthy authority to patrol the safety of this may be alluring for kids developmentally, especially those who are missing opportunities to enroll in safety patrol programs at school.

6. Acknowledge what we are living through

We put tremendous pressure on ourselves as parents and on our kids to normalize this experience.  It’s important to find normalcy where we can, but it is equally valuable to acknowledge that this is an extraordinary time in our lives.  Kids are facing great uncertainties.  They are fearing for the health of their families, mourning canceled summer plans, and missing the disrupted routines that anchor us all to a steady rhythm of life in far more typical times.  As talk of school openings and closures resume, your child’s fears and anxieties will likely amplify.  Granting kids, and ourselves, some grace as we navigate such uncharted territory is vital.

Be safe and well, and if you’re looking for some help in managing increased anxiety in your family, reach out by clicking here.  We are all in this together, and SVPS is here to help.