How to Help Kids Wear Masks during the Pandemic

As the coronavirus continues to spread worldwide, masks have popped up all over the place. With this new rise in public protection, questions are sparking about whether or not we should or should not wear a mask. Why should I wear one? Does it really help against the spread? How do I help my kids understand the importance of one in public? Here are some tips to explain the importance of wearing a mask for you and your children.

Why Wear a Mask?

Since a vaccine is currently in the works and COVID-19 continues to spread, washing your hands and keeping six-feet apart in public are still the best options when trying to stop the spread. However, it may be difficult to keep your distance from others while getting groceries or going shopping, thus the need for a mask. Though, it isn’t necessary to wear one at home, unless a family member is sick and it is hard to keep your distance from them.Masks provide protection for others around you who could get sick from the droplets you produce when talking, coughing, or sneezing. These droplets are how viruses are spread from person to person. It is recommended that if you’re ill to stay home, but if you do need to venture out, wearing a mask will protect others from contracting your illness.

Children Wearing Masks

Even though children have shown mild systems towards the coronavirus, it doesn’t mean that they are immune. They could still be carriers and pass on the virus. This is why it is crucial for everyone, including children over the age of two, to wear masks. For youngsters under two, the mask could cause more harm such as risk of suffocation, rather than protection.For older children who venture out or prepare for a return to school, here are some ways to make wearing masks fun, as well as creative uses to help kids understand the importance of protecting others:

• Hold and talk about the mask – have your child just hold and feel the mask and explain to them that we want to protect our friends and family members from possibly getting sick. If you encourage them to help others, they may be more willing to wear the mask.
• Practice wearing the mask – practice wearing masks around the house so that your child gets a feel for it on and can adjust it if it is too loose.
• Customize masks – you can buy kid-friendly masks from Etsy, Old Navy and Crayola, or make your own from your kids’ favorite cloth pattern. You and your kid can customize the mask even more by decorating it with markers, rhinestones and stickers. Your kid’s mask can not only protect others, but be a fun accessory.

For more information on masks in general, contact us. When it comes to the safety of your children, we want you to have the knowledge in these uncertain times.