It's no secret that wearing a face mask has become the new normal for many of us. And while some children have taken to wearing them with ease, others have been resistant. During these times, it's important to remember that every child is different and will approach the situation in their own way. So, what can you do to make your child more likely to wear a face mask?

1. Misnomers/Myth busting

There are a lot of myths floating around about face masks and children. It's important to dispel these myths so that your child knows that wearing a face mask is nothing to be afraid of.

For example, some children may think that wearing a face mask means they are sick. It's important to explain to your child that this is not the case. Wearing a face mask helps protect others from getting sick, even if the person wearing the mask is not sick themselves.

Similarly, some children may think that wearing a face mask will make it difficult to breathe. Again, it's important to explain that this is not the case. Face masks do not block all of the airways and children should still be able to breathe normally while wearing one.

And, some children may think that face masks are just not cool. It's important to explain to your child that everyone is wearing them, even celebrities and their favorite characters. Wearing a face mask can actually be seen as a sign of strength and responsibility.

2. Prepare your child for wearing a mask

If your child is resistant to the idea of wearing a face mask, it may help to prepare them in advance. Show them how to put on and take off a face mask. Let them practice with different types of masks so they can find one that is comfortable for them.

Let them choose their mask

And, if possible, let them choose their own face mask. Children are more likely to wear a face mask if they feel like they have some control over the situation. Allowing them to pick out their own face mask will give them a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Modeling

One of the best ways to get your child to wear a face mask is by modeling the behavior yourself. Let your child see you wearing a face mask and explain to them why you are doing it. Children are more likely to follow the lead of someone they trust and respect.

Make it fun

You can do this by turning it into a game or by making it into a competition. For example, you can see who can wear their face masks the longest or who can put their face mask on the quickest.

Rewards

You may also want to consider offering rewards for wearing a face mask. This could be something as simple as a sticker or a treat. Children are more likely to wear a face mask if they know they will be rewarded for doing so.

Be understanding

It's important to remember that not all children will be willing to wear a face mask, no matter what you do. Some children may have medical conditions that make it difficult or impossible to wear a face mask.

Others may have anxiety or sensory issues that make it difficult to wear a face mask. In these cases, it's important to be understanding and work with your child to find an alternative solution.

3. Using visuals

If your child is struggling to understand why wearing a face mask is important, you may find it helpful to show them visuals. This could be anything from pictures and social stories to videos and cartoons.

There are a lot of great resources available online. A quick search will reveal a wealth of options.

• Pictures: Pictures can be a great way to help your children understand why wearing a face mask is important. You can find a lot of great pictures online or you can make your own.
• Social stories: Social stories are short, simple stories that explain a concept in an easy-to-understand way. They often include pictures to further illustrate the point. You can find a lot of great social stories online or you can make your own.
• Videos: The internet is full of great videos that explain why wearing a face mask is important. You can find videos made by organizations like the CDC or you can find videos made by parents and children.
• Cartoons: Cartoons are always a hit with kids. You can find cartoons that explain why wearing a face mask is important or you can make your own.

4. Try different designs and breathable material

Face masks come in a wide range of designs. You can find face masks that are plain, patterned, or even decorated with your child's favorite characters. It's important to find a face mask that is comfortable for your child to wear.

You should also make sure that the face mask you choose is breathable. A face mask that is too tight or made from a material that is not breathable can make it difficult for your child to breathe.

Choosing the right face mask for your child is important. You want to make sure that it is comfortable, and breathable, and that your child will actually wear it.

5. Actionable advice

Some of the best tips for getting your child to wear a face mask are:

• Look in the mirror with the face mask on and talk about it: This will help your child get used to the idea of wearing a face mask. You can talk about why you are wearing a face mask and how it will help keep you healthy. In fact, you can even practice putting on and taking off your face mask together.
• Put a mask on a favorite stuffed animal: The stuffed animal can be a fun way for your child to get used to the idea of wearing a face mask. Plus, it's a good way to show them that even their favorite toy wears a face mask. For instance, you could put a mask on their favorite stuffed animal and then have the stuffed animal wear it around the house.
• Decorate them so they're more personalized and fun: This will help your child to see that face masks can be fun too. You can decorate a plain face mask with markers, paint, or even glitter. Or you could find a face mask that is already decorated with their favorite characters.
• Show your child pictures of other children wearing them: Seeing other children wearing face masks can help normalize the idea for your child. You can find pictures online or in magazines. You could even take your own pictures of children wearing face masks and put them up around the house.
• Draw one on their favorite book character: This is a fun way to show your child that even their favorite characters’ wear face masks. You can use a permanent marker or you could even cut out a paper mask and glue it onto the character.

When you go out – what helps?

When you go out, try these things with your children's face mask:

• Rules: You can set rules for how long you have to wear the mask. This can be any time from two minutes to an entire day!
• Breaks: Breaks are a good idea when your child has been wearing their face mask for a really long time. It's important to let your child take a break so they can drink some water and catch their breath.
• Rewards: You can set up a reward system for when your child wears their face mask. This can be anything from a sticker to a piece of candy. Rewarding your child will help them to see that wearing a face mask can be fun too.

6. Let them practice

Wearing a face mask is a new experience for most children. It can take some time for them to get used to it. The best way to help your child is to practice at home. You can put on your own mask and then help your child put on theirs. You can even pretend to go out in public and practice wearing your face masks. The more you practice, the more normal it will become for your child.

7. Make it a game!

One of the best ways to get your child to wear a face mask is to make it into a game. You can have a competition to see who can wear their face mask the longest. Or you can make up a game where you have to collect as many face masks as possible. There are lots of different ways to make mask wearing into a fun game.

8. Find a friend

It can be helpful for your child to find a friend who also wears a face mask. This can help them to feel less alone and more normal. If your child doesn't have a friend who wears a face mask, you can try to find one by joining a support group or looking online.

9. Talk about it

It's important to talk to your child about why they need to wear a face mask. You can explain how it will help keep them healthy. You can also talk about how it will help protect other people. It's important to make sure that your child understands why they need to wear a face mask.

10. Be patient

It can take some time for your child to get used to wearing a face mask. It's important to be patient and understand that this is a new experience for them. Try not to get frustrated and remember that your child is doing their best.

11. Get help

If you're having trouble getting your child to wear a face mask, you can always get help from a professional. You can talk to your child's doctor or a counselor. They may be able to give you some advice on how to get your child to wear a face mask.

Final Thoughts

Wearing a face mask is a new experience for most children. It can be hard to get them to wear one at first. But with some patience and understanding, you can help your child get used to wearing a face mask. Just remember to be patient, talk to your child about why they need to wear a face mask and make it into a game. With some time and effort, you can help your child become more comfortable with wearing their face mask.

Where to Get Children's Face Mask?

If you're looking for a place to buy children's face masks, The Face Mask Store is the perfect place for you. We have a wide selection of different masks, so you're sure to find one that your child will love. And if you're not satisfied with your purchase, we offer a money-back guarantee. So what are you waiting for? Visit The Face Mask Store today!

FAQs

Do children need to wear a face mask?

Yes, according to public health measures by the World Health Organization children should wear a face mask if they are around people who don't live in their household. Wearing a face mask can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

How long do children need to wear a face mask?

Children should wear a face mask for as long as they are around people who don't live in their households.

What is the best way to get my child wear a face mask?

The best way to get your younger children to wear masks is to make it into a game. You can have a competition to see who can wear their face mask the longest. Or you can make up a game where you have to collect as many face masks as possible. There are lots of different ways to make wearing masks into a fun game.

Should a 2 year-old wear a mask?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people over the age of two wear a face mask when they are around other people. This is because the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread through droplets from an infected person's nose or mouth, and a face mask will help to prevent those droplets from spreading.