Tips for Kids Wearing Face Masks

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This sponsored post is brought to you courtesy of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines.

kids face mask

Across Iowa, children are getting ready to head back to school. In many school districts, masks are encouraged, if not required. But as any parent can tell you, getting a child to wear a mask can be a tricky proposition!

Dr. Amy Shriver, a pediatrician at UnityPoint Health—Des Moines, shares some great tips for making mask-wearing fun.

Tips for Kids Wearing Face Masks

Explain the “Why” to Your Kids

All kids over age two should wear cloth face coverings to help protect your kids’ friends and teachers. It’s important to have a conversation with your children so they understand why masks are needed.

When talking with your children, communicate at their developmental level. For younger children, simply saying we wear masks to keep our loved ones healthy should suffice. For older children, use this experience to talk about germs and how masks help make it safe for children and teachers to return to school.

Ease into Mask-Wearing

Some children may feel anxious about wearing a mask, so it’s important to address their feelings, acknowledge their concerns, and let them know it’s OK to have those big feelings. Ease your children into mask-wearing by practicing at home for a few minutes at a time. Make a game out of it and see who can wear their mask the longest.

Share Fun Mask Activities as a Family

Get goofy with your mask! Make silly faces at each other and have a good laugh. Masks may stop our germs, but they don’t stop our laughter.

Putting It All Together

  • Have questions? The providers at Blank Children’s and UnityPoint Clinic are here to help navigate this new normal. Reach out to them for questions or to schedule an appointment today. And don’t forget, it’s not too late for your child’s well-child exam or back-to-school physical.

Watch this video for more tips from Dr. Shriver

Want additional ideas? Check out this infographic on 8 Ways to Help Kids Adjust to Face Masks

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This post is part of a series of sponsored posts by UnityPoint Health Des Moines.

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