BabyOrganix | Supporting Children to Wear Masks

Why Should You and Children Wear Face Masks?

Face masks are no longer a new thing since the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live in society. To curb this infectious virus, plenty of SOPs are implemented worldwide such as vaccination, social distancing, constant hand washing and wearing face masks.

COVID-19 spreads in several ways. The infected patients can spread it through respiratory droplets when they talk, cough or sneeze. Even those who are not showing any symptoms can be contagious. This is why the use of face masks in places where there are other people such as the workplace, schools, malls etc is crucial to protect each other. By continuing to practice these SOP, we can win against COVID-19.

Challenges for Children in Wearing Masks

We at BabyOrganix understood that many children are having a hard time to adopt the practice of wearing masks. When they’re wearing masks, it can be uncomfortable sometimes. Even we as adults are not always comfortable wearing masks. The way children respond to and feel about seeing people in face masks during COVID-19 can depend on age and also the environment.

1- 5 Years Old
Younger children pay a lot of attention to faces as they learn facial expressions from others. By the time infants are 5 months old, they will learn to match the image of an emotional expression with its corresponding vocal expression. It’s no surprise that they might feel anxious if they can’t see the faces of familiar people.

Children Above 5 Years Old
Children at this age are more understanding. As they’re adopting this practice at pre-school, so they won’t have many issues with it although they might have questions why they need to wear it all the time. Wearing face masks can be confronting or overwhelming for adults and children. This is an obvious reminder that COVID-19 is still affecting our daily lives and communities.

Supporting Children to Wear Masks

Parents need to do their best in helping kids why face masks must be worn. It is important to approach it in an open and supportive way with your children. Mask wearing is developing a habit, so ongoing reminders and consistent behavior will be key. 

Tips to talk about face masks with children

1. Ask about their feelings
   Try to understand why they do not like wearing it. Let your child know that their feelings are okay and normal. When parents have a better understanding of their reasons, the next step will be easier.
   
2. Explain in ways your child understands
   Focus on the positives and explain the facts. You can share the good side of it such as why medical front liners wear them. They do it to keep us safe. 
   
3. Use calm and assuring tone
   It may seem easy for some of us to impose rules and restrictions at home. But kids learn better in positive reinforcement. your child is more likely to feel safe and convinced when you talk about it in a cheerful manner.