As we prepare to re-open the school in this new world of a global pandemic, one of the things parents and children are most anxious about is the requirement to wear face coverings at school. The staff at Brookside is aware of the anxiety and are prepared to work with the children, using this as a learning opportunity to teach the children all about the proper wearing of face coverings–when, how and a little bit of why, as appropriate. All students will be required to bring their own face coverings and to wear them at all times with the exception of: while eating at lunch or snack time; while socially distanced outside on the playground; while seated and at work for a period of time (children will be socially distanced in these instances).
My research on the best ways to handle this with the children has uncovered a wealth of useful information, including the following, excerpted from Kids Health on-line:
In many places, people are wearing masks when they’re in public because of coronavirus (COVID-19). It’s an important way to help slow the spread of the virus.
At first, it was mostly doctors, nurses, and others in health care settings who wore masks. But now, as other people wear them, more and more kids are seeing something they’re not used to seeing. For them, it can be strange or a little scary, especially if they need to put on masks too.
Most kids can feel comfortable seeing people in masks, as long as adults:
* Use simple words to explain why people are wearing masks.
* Give kids time to look, watch, and get used to what’s new.
* Answer kids’ questions.
* Give support.
Some toddlers and young children may feel uneasy about masks. They may need extra support and comfort from parents. Parents also can help kids understand why they might need to wear a mask, and make them more comfortable and even fun to wear.
How Do Kids React to Masks?
How kids react to seeing masks partly depends on their age. Older kids might not react much at all. To them, masks might seem like no big deal. Most are able to adjust pretty quickly.
Some kids may even be eager to wear a mask. They might embrace their new look as a medical superhero.
But for babies, toddlers, and young kids, seeing people in masks might take some getting used to. At first, they may feel cautious. They may need a few minutes to look and watch. That can help them get used to what’s new. They may need a parent to gently say, “It’s OK.” That can help them relax.
Some babies, toddlers, and young kids may feel upset or afraid. They might cry, hide their face, or cling to a parent. Soothing words, comfort, and the safety of a parent’s lap can help calm them.
Why Do Some Young Kids Feel Scared of Masks?
Masks hide part of a person’s face. Young children rely on faces. From the time they are babies, young children look at faces for the signals they need to feel safe.
When faces are partly hidden by masks, kids can’t see the friendly smile or familiar look that usually puts them at ease. When kids can’t see the person’s whole face, it’s harder to feel safe. It’s natural to feel scared.
But slowly and gently, parents can help kids feel more comfortable. Even very young kids can learn that something that seemed too scary at first is not so scary after all.
How Can Parents Help Kids Wear a Mask?
Cloth face coverings (or a face mask, if you have one) on adults and kids over 2 years old can help slow the spread of the virus. Here are some ways to help kids wear masks when you go out:
* Help kids get used to masks. As much as you can, give kids time to practice wearing their masks before they might need to wear one outside of your home. Teach them how to put them on and take them off.
* Encourage kids to decorate their mask. This might help them feel a sense of ownership and control over the situation. A personal touch can help make it more of a normal part of their routine, and make it more likely they’ll want to wear their mask. Depending on the type of mask, kids can draw on it with markers or put stickers on it.
* Make them together. If you make face coverings at home, let older kids help you. There are no-sew masks that are easy to make, often with materials you probably already have (T-shirts, bandannas, etc.). If you sew masks, maybe kids can select the fabric or patterns for the masks they’ll wear.
* Help make it fun. With younger kids, introduce a sense of play. Kids can pretend to be a doctor or nurse while wearing their masks. They might want to use a doctor kit and “take care” of a stuffed animal or doll.
* Have a few masks handy while kids play. This lets them use their imagination about how to use them during playtime. It also helps make masks a more normal part of their everyday world. You can ask your child to put a mask on a stuffed animal, and then ask follow-up questions about why the stuffed animal is wearing the mask. Depending on your child’s response, you can clear up any confusion and offer reassurance.
excerpted from Kids Health on-line
In closing, I would add that your child’s willingness to wear a mask and to do so with less anxiety will begin at home. Your willingness to model the behavior and to work with your child on the wearing of face coverings will be of great assistance to us and more importantly to your child’s comfort with this new behavior.