Kids can be a blessing, but every parent also knows that kids can be a handful– especially during tumultuous times like this pandemic. A lot of kids have been going stir crazy at home, confused about what is happening and just ready to go back to normal.
They are not alone in that sentiment, many people are wishing for normal days, but the pandemic is far from over. Cases are rising all over the United States, all the while schools are developing their fall semester reopening plans. Many institutions are choosing their back to school initiative to include a hybrid approach of in-person and remote learning. This means that many kids will have to start wearing a mask to school in order to best protect themselves and their classmates from spreading the disease.
Younger kids might have a tougher time with this. Some parents say that their kid complains about having to wear a mask to the grocery store, and a mandatory wear for eight hours will be worse. Luckily, we’ve come up with some tips that can help you to get your child to wear a mask.
1. Let them pick out a style
One of the best ways to encourage your child to wear a mask for the back to school initiative is to let them pick out the style. Children like what they like and will more likely want to wear a mask of their choice compared to one that their parents chose. If you plan on only using the blue disposable masks, a fun thing to do is to let your kids draw on it or make their own face mask. They can use glitter and their favorite colors to make each mask unique and perfect for them.
2. Make it fun
Wearing a mask can be a scary experience for a kid, so it’s important to make it as fun as possible. Try and make wearing a mask a game for them. They can play doctor or pretend that they are a superhero who has to protect their identity.
3. Show others wearing them
This tip might be the most important for the back to school initiative. Make sure your child understands that this is not a punishment strictly for them, but others have to wear masks as well. Make sure you show them pictures of other children wearing masks, and lead by example by always wearing your own. Kids are less likely to complain if they see you doing it without question.
You can even make it more playful by putting a mask on their favorite stuffed animal or on a babydoll they like to carry around.
4. Practice Practice
It would be a good idea to get your kids to practice wearing their masks before it becomes essential. This is so they can get used to wearing their masks and it will be a non-issue for when the time is necessary. It can cut down on questions of how to wear one correctly, and get them used to how it feels. Starting out in short increments and steadily wearing them for longer and longer will help to make the eight hours not seem so long.
5. Explain the situation
Your kids know that something is going on in the world, and so it is best if you can sit them down and talk to them about it. While you don’t have to go into fine detail, explaining the importance of a mask and the importance of being respectful of others can go a long way to a child. It can help them to understand the reason for wearing a mask and make them more likely to wear it for the back to school initiative.
Civil Dispatch makes your safety a priority. We can use school systems to drive open and honest communication with parents, students and teachers. We are an emergency alert communication system that can help you and your family stay safe and prepared. Learn more here.