Our world has drastically changed in the last few months, and we’re needing to do things that we never expected. Wearing face masks is probably at the top of that list! We explained the important reasons for wearing masks in a previous blog post, and this applies to kids as much as adults. An easy “guideline” to follow is that if you are outside your home and it’s not possible to maintain six feet of distance from others, adults and kids should wear masks.

But like anything new, this may be easier said than done. Wearing masks is an unusual experience and kids may resist cooperating at first. Because kids get used to new things through exploration, they may naturally want to touch the mask when it is on their face. Further, it’s possible that they could have a negative reaction to masks, given that anything associated with the new coronavirus, COVID-19 has largely been about the harm and problems that it has caused.  

Be that as it may, we can offer some effective solutions to these obstacles! Most of the time a new behavior needs to be developed at home before kids can do it successfully outside of the home. Think about how you taught your children to say “please” and “thank you” at home before they so charmingly used it with other adults! We can help them get used to seeing and wearing masks with preparation, repetition, and positive experiences. Prior to COVID-19, some kids with medical conditions wore masks around the hospital like masked champions! Here’s how you can make that happen too:

Tips to Help Kids Wear Face Masks

1. Explain in simple terms why kids should wear them

Wearing a mask is an act of kindness. Just like we have taught you to sneeze into your elbow, we’re asking you to wear a mask to prevent germs from spreading. It’s telling others that you care about them and you’re trying your best to keep your germs to yourself. This kid-friendly video can help further explain why everyone needs to wear one.  

2. Acknowledge their frustrations

Kids are frustrated by how coronavirus has impacted their lives. It can be helpful to acknowledge this and normalize their feelings, especially when they may feel like this is another negative way that COVID-19 is affecting their normal way of life. 

3. Begin practicing when the timing is right

The best time to first practice is when everyone is well-rested, well-fed, and in a pleasant mood! It will be easier for everyone to have a positive experience with the practice when they’re in the right mindset.

4. Do practice sessions at home

Allow them to touch it, sniff it, and hold it in their hands for an increasing amount of time to build skill and comfort (5, 10, 30 seconds for example). Then have them hold it to their mouth for 1, 2, 5, 10 seconds, progressing up to a minute or more.

5. Stay positive and make it fun!

Give them lots and lots of compliments for practicing and keeping the mask on for longer periods of time. Point out when your kids are keeping their hands away from the mask (instead of only commenting on when they are touching it). Once they’re more comfortable keeping it on, have them do fun things while wearing it. Do a silly dance, paint pictures, play their favorite games, or read their most-loved books. Practice putting masks on their toys, dolls, or stuffed animals. If they’re into superheroes, they may enjoy being called a “masked superhero” when they wear the facial covering. Distraction can really help them to ignore some of the yucky sensations that kids may feel when wearing it, such as the warm, wet breath and tightness around the face.

6. Use positive, clear, polite commands and be consistent

It might take some practice to change how we give commands. Rather than saying “Stop touching your mask”, instead say, “Please keep your hands away from your face.” When setting limits say, “If you’d like to go with me to drop this off, you’ll need to wear a mask, please” instead of “You can’t go if you don’t wear your mask”.  Replacing “NO, STOP, CAN’T or DON’T” statements with positive and active (“DO”) statements can make those desired behaviors more likely to happen!

7. Practice with others

Set up a video chat with friends or family members to practice wearing masks together. It will help normalize wearing them as well as provide encouragement for people on both ends of the call. Kids also learn new things quickly from their friends (like using “potty talk”!) and practicing together can make it more fun.

8. Plan to take breaks for relaxation as needed during practice sessions

Allow your children to take breaks if they seem overwhelmed to make sure that practice is happening when they are calm. Your child may find it helpful to practice mind and body relaxation during these rehearsal sessions. Taking a quick break from wearing the mask can be helpful if it is getting uncomfortable. We want to be sure that your children are prepared that the mask will be put right back on for practice once they are more relaxed.

9. Provide incentives when necessary

Many kids will simply need extra practice and encouragement to build comfort with this new behavior. However, if your children typically need incentives when trying something new, you can provide one here as well. Use approaches that have worked well in the past, such as sticker charts, picking favorite meals, and extra quality time playing and reading with a parent.

10. Be a role model

Parents can set a good example by practicing wearing masks too. The more positive, calm and easy-going we are about it, the more likely kids will be to follow our lead. It can be hard to see your child in a mask, especially at first, so breathe deep and give yourself grace that this can be hard for you, too.

This video explains that all visitors coming to Cincinnati Children’s will need to wear face masks, as well as the precautions everyone is taking throughout your visit. It might be helpful for your children to watch it before they come to an appointment. We look forward to seeing you and your masked super hero soon! We’ll be wearing ours, too.