Wearing a mask can help stop the spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults and children over the age of two years old wear a face mask when going outside- especially to places where it may be difficult to practice social distancing.
While most adults can easily adhere to these recommendations, it may be harder to introduce the habit of wearing a mask to young children. Parents may encounter the following challenges:
- Some kids may not like how masks look
- Masks may feel uncomfortable to children
- Some children may feel panicked when a mask is placed on their faces
Here are a few steps adults can take to help children feel more comfortable and adjust:
- Be a role model by wearing a mask when appropriate.
- Explain why it is important to wear a mask in simple words that kids can understand.
- Make masks appear less scary by placing them on a child’s favorite stuffed animal or doll, or by showing pictures of other children in masks.
- Make masks feel special or personalized by allowing children to decorate or pick them out.
- To avoid discomfort, ensure that masks fit correctly and children can breathe easily.
- Allow kids to practice wearing a mask for a few minutes each day. This will help with their comfortability when wearing a mask outside for longer periods of time.
- If masks feel uncomfortable, parents can purchase additions such as face mask extenders or ear savers.
- Empower children by using positive reinforcements such as praises when they are wearing their masks.
COVID-19 is a highly transmissible disease, by wearing a face mask in public settings you are creating a barrier that can help protect you and your child. Please keep in mind, the CDC does not recommend that children under the age of two wear masks; additionally, any child who is unable to remove their mask without assistance should not wear one.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.