Here are 5 Things You Can Try (and why they work)
Wearing a mask can be a bit of an annoyance, especially for children. It’s an obstacle for both the senses and socially. Masks are an important tool for protection as we navigate through this Delta surge. Masks are required for all children over the age of 12 in Australia, and sometimes also for those aged 5-12.
How can we convince our children to get on board? It is a fact that masks are one of the best ways to stop the spread. This is true even for young children, despite their milder symptoms. Unknowingly, our youngest children can spread the virus. Here are 5 practical, evidence-based strategies that will help your child adjust while keeping stress levels down and connection high.
1. Model Wearing One
Why it works: According to behavioral psychology, children are taught through observational teaching — they mimic what adults do. If you consistently wear a mask, your children will naturally mimic what you do.
- Make it a routine. Before leaving the car, masks become as automatic as seatbelts.
- Make sure it’s visible. Place a mask on the coat hooks of your dining table or near your children.
- Talk about it matter-of-factly. We wear masks to keep each other safe, including our parents and friends.
A real-life scenario. After a few weeks, it became easier to remove the mask from her child’s tray at the bus stop than to forget her shoes.
2. Empathize with their Experience
Why it matters: Misunderstood children can be a problem. They will shut down if we ignore their discomfort. Validation instead fosters trust and comfort, becoming a bridge to compliance.
- Be honest. This mask must be hot and scratchy.
- Ask for solutions. For example, “Which do you think would feel better: a mask with ear loops? Or ties behind your head?”
- Get them involved. Ask them to show you what they feel like when it is tight or loose, and then fix it together.
A real-life example: After her mother adjusted the fit of a mask and added a children’s soft scarf to extend the strap, the five-year-old refused to wear it. She said, with a smile: “It doesn’t hurt anymore!” And her glasses no longer fog up.
3. Use Science to Explain Why?
Why it helps: Understanding empowers. When children understand why face masks are protective, they’re more likely to wear them.
- Use age-appropriate science. “Masks capture the tiny mists when we breathe or cough. This drink splash will stay on the table and not on you.
- Have them watch a demonstration. Together, search YouTube for “how masks stop droplets”. There are many child-friendly videos available.
- Use analogies. For example, “Think about school masks as raincoats on the playground — they protect you from unseen drops.”
Example from real life: An example of a real-life situation: My daughter, a Year 7 student at her school, once said:
When the science teacher demonstrated the glitter spray, I felt like a young doctor.
This practical moment transformed reluctant mask wear into a group effort: “Let’s be scientists together.”
4. Turn it into a Creative Project or Game
Why it works: Masks can be more than just medical devices. They are also a way to express yourself and your identity. The creativity makes them less burdensome and more personal (and a game accessory for children under 10).
- Themed Masks. Superhero Logos, Animal Prints, Cartoon Faces–they spark Joy.
- Mask decoration. Fabric markers and iron-on stickers turn wearing masks into a fun time.
- Role-play adventures. Your kid: “I am Captain Clean Air!”
- Mask chart rewards system. Add stickers to the chart or points for each day that you keep your mask on.
A parent’s story:
One mum reports,
My daughter chose her favorite emoji and put it on her mask. She told her friends that she did it herself. After that, no one noticed her discomfort because she was too proud.
5. You Can Ask for Help From Others
Why it helps: Children who are learning to use a mask may require constant reminders and help–not only from their parents but also from teachers or aides.
If you need to support your child in school:
- Tell the teacher about any sensory issues or concerns.
- Check their work every morning and after classes.
- If needed, suggest short breaks away from the mask with social distancingGraduall tolerance training (a type of tolerance training) is helpful for children with sensory or developmental challenges.
- Step 1. Hold the mask close to your face for 10 seconds.
- Step 2. Read a story while resting on your chin.
- Step 3: Wear the hat for 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Gradually increase the time, and always praise progress.
Not:e There are some legal exceptions for children who cannot tolerate wearing a mask because of an underlying medical condition. Check your local policy. Many children will respond to gradual training.
Should My Child Wear a Mask?
Here are some questions to ask if your child doesn’t have to wear a face mask.
- Do you see an increase in cases in your community
- Does your child spend time in the crowd or indoors?
- Does he (or anyone else who lives with him) have health vulnerabilities?
If you answer “yes” to all questions, wearing a mask is likely a good precaution.
How to make it work for your family
It’s not about perfection, but rather consistency, kindness, and patience.
- Model Consistent mask behavior
- Validate your discomfort.
- Explain in a relatable way.
- Gamify and personalize the experience.
- Built-in support in school or by building up training
What was once a family can become a ritual over time. The kids feel empowered – “I understand why we do !”– and you gain peace of mind knowing that your child is safe.
This Checklist is a Handy Reference
Step
1. Breakfast stations can be a good place to keep disposable or cloth masks.
2. Ritualize daily ear-checking and mask adjustment
3. Weekly, watch a science mask video.
4. Choose or decorate your mask for Sunday night
5. Message your teacher: “X adjusting masks — please support gradual use.”
6. Add a sticker for each day that the mask is worn to school
Parents’ Views
- “My 88-year-old would reject masks until I allowed him to pick glow-in-the-dark ones. He says, “It’s almost like wearing a miniature lantern.”
- We turned mask-checking into a game of handshakes. “Thumbs up” means the mask is clean and level.
- Our teacher’s assistant does a “mask high-five” each morning. Wearing one suddenly is a thing of pride.
Conclusion
Pandemics are messy. Masks can be uncomfortable, parent-exhausting, and rules change daily. Parents can teach their children to accept wearing masks with confidence and calmness by modeling, educating, being creative, and showing empathy.
Give yourself credit if your child is wearing a mask. You are guiding your child towards kindness, responsibility, and health. It’s worth it to breathe in… one moment at a time.
