The COVID-19 pandemic is not over yet. This condition causes everyone to wear a mask, including children. Unfortunately, not a few children are still difficult to be asked to wear a mask. Come on, Bun, find out here how to teach children to want to wear masks!
Corona virus infection can be experienced by children. Although they generally don't get sick, children who get COVID-19 can pass it on to others. Therefore, it is important for you to teach your little one how to prevent this infection. One of them is how to use the correct mask.
However, before that, you need to know the rules for using masks in children. The use of masks is recommended for children aged 5 years and over when they are outside the home. Children aged 2-5 years are actually also allowed to use masks, but with a note that they are always supervised by their parents.
Children who are not yet 2 years old are not allowed to wear masks due to safety considerations. So, you don't need to force your little one to wear a mask if he is under 2 years old. All you need to do is keep your little one in a safe place and away from other people.
5 Tips for Teaching Children to Use Masks
Quite a number of parents complain about the difficulty of teaching their children to wear masks. So that your little one wants to wear a mask and can wear it properly, you can apply the following tips:
1. Explain the importance of masks
Before asking your little one to wear a mask, Mother and Father need to work together to provide an explanation about the Corona virus and the importance of wearing a mask first.
Mother can explain the dangers of the Corona virus in soft words. After that, explain to him how a mask can protect him from the Corona virus. Also say that by wearing a mask, he can help protect his family and loved ones like a hero of virtue.
That way, it is hoped that the Little One will be motivated to wear a mask, even without Mother telling him to.
2. Give an example of using a mask
It is normal for children to like to imitate what their parents do. In order for the Little One to happily wear a mask, Mother and Father must also set an example for him.
Every time you leave the house, Mom and Dad also need to show the Little One obedience in wearing a mask. For example, before leaving for work, tell him, “Dad's already wearing a mask! Now I'm going to work, okay?"
Demonstrate good mask wearing etiquette, namely by not taking off the mask, especially when talking to other people, not touching the mask while wearing it, and always washing hands after putting on or removing the mask.
At home, invite your little one to practice wearing a mask and taking it off. Also show photos of your mother, father, or other family members who also use masks when doing activities outside the home.
Mothers can also give examples from children's reading books about the use of masks. That way, your little one will be more excited to use a mask in the future.
3. Let the child choose his favorite mask
The types of masks that can be used by children are surgical masks or cloth masks. However, surgical masks are preferred for children who have comorbidities or are around sick people.
Nowadays, there are many surgical masks and cloth masks that are colorful and patterned. Letting your little one choose the motif and color of the mask he likes can also increase his interest in wearing a mask.
4. Apply a rule
So that your little one does not forget to wear a mask, it is important for you to remind him at all times. In addition, make rules regarding the use of masks.
For example, before traveling, a mask must be put on before opening the door of the house or before putting on shoes. That way, it will be easier for your little one to get used to wearing a mask wherever he goes.
5. Don't force and scold him
If your little one can't or isn't used to wearing a mask, Mom and Dad don't need to force and scold him, OK? Make the routine of wearing this mask a fun thing.
Before he gets used to it, Mom and Dad must make sure your little one is diligent in washing their hands and always being near you so that they are kept at a distance from other people. Be patient in repeating the importance of wearing a mask and don't be careless in setting an example of wearing a good mask for children.
Teaching children to wear masks is not an easy thing. However, it is important for Mom and Dad to instill the habit of using masks, given the great use of these objects in breaking the chain of spreading the Corona virus.
In addition to teaching him to use a mask, it is also important for the mother to teach the little one how to wash his hands properly and whenever he has to wash his hands, as well as remind him to keep his distance and reduce physical contact with other people.
Don't forget to always provide nutritious food and complete the immunization schedule, so that your little one's immune system is strong and he can be protected from various diseases.
If your child has certain medical conditions that make him unable to wear a mask or are more prone to infection, you can consult a doctor to ask what type of mask to wear or other preventive measures that can be taken.
