As you have no doubt heard, a debate has been raging up and down the country, and it centres on face coverings.
Getting children used to the idea of face covering can be a challenge, especially if your child is anxious or has additional needs and requirements. To help, we have put together some top tips for making the chance easier, and helping to reduce anxiety and fear around face coverings.
As a note, it is important to state that there are exemptions to the rules, and you should check the Government guidance to see if this is applicable. If your child is unable to wear a mask, would suffer distress as a result of wearing one, or has breathing problems or other conditions, they may not be required to cover their face. Always check the most up-to-date advice to be totally clued up. Children under the age of three should not wear a face covering, and the rule is not mandatory for those under eleven.
To help your child make the transition, why not try one of the following tips?
- Let them choose their patterns
With so much choice around, your child can have total control over the colour, pattern and design of their covering, and this can really help to reduce anxiety. It offers a choice, and can make the experience less regimented and frightening for some children.
- Give them a chance to practice
It is best to try out a new face covering in a familiar, relaxed environment – not when you are trying to dash around the supermarket. Make sure that your child has a chance to practice putting on their covering, and that they have a chance to get used to the feeling. Some children may feel panicky or anxious, so it can be helpful to try and build up their tolerance over time. Do remember that some children, however, simply will not be able to tolerate having their face covered, and this is accepted within the official advice.
- Lead by example
Our children imitate a huge amount of behaviour from parents or carers, and so modelling positive behaviour is important. If you make the covering a big, scary deal, your child will follow your example. By keeping things calm, casual and easy, you will reduce anxiety, and help your child feel more secure and in control.
- Teach them how it helps
The basic premise behind wearing a face covering is to help protect those around you, and understanding this can increase a chikds willingness to try. Depending on their age, it can be helpful for them to understand, in an age appropriate way, why people are wearing coverings, and how they can do their part to help.
- Be kind
Always remember that the rules for children are slightly different, and you may have to weigh up the distress caused by a covering against the potential benefits – especially if your child has autism or other sensory issues. Make sure that they know it is ok if they simply cannot tolerate it, and that there are plenty of other ways they can stay safe, and protect their loved ones, such as washing their hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
This can also be a great opportunity to practice empathy, and help your child to understand hidden disabilities and illnesses. You can help them to be understanding of those around them, and to understand that we all have our own challenges and individual circumstances. Some of the people they see will not be wearing masks, and this can be a valuable teaching moment to help children to develop tolerance, respect and an understanding of individual circumstances.
