Back to School: How Parents Can Encourage and Maintain Mask Wearing
The new school year is now upon us! After being away from the classroom since early spring due to COVID-19, some parents are a little or very hesitant to send their children back into the classroom. These hesitations come from the rapidly spreading virus and children not maintaining their mask-wearing. But can we fault children? Absolutely not! It takes patience and many discussions with our children for them to understand what’s really going on.
Going back into the classroom, it will be very different from the norm. Masks will be required for all children as they enter the schoolhouse and many parents are concerned that their child will refuse to keep it on throughout the day. Parenting expert, guidance counselor, licensed educational psychologist, and board-certified behavior analyst, Reena B. Patel (LEP, BCBA) offers a number of ways to help your child.
Tell them why? Do not say you need to wear a mask without the why? Keep the conversation developmentally appropriate. For example, there is a virus/bug/germ in the air and it can go from our body to someone's body when we cough, spit, talk, or sneeze too close to someone else. Answer their questions, “will I get to take it off?”
Model it. Children are more likely to follow actions that their parents and those around them engage in. Lead by example.
Start to practice at home and in increments. Children want to feel successful and receive praise for something new. Start wearing masks at home in increments. For example, start with 5 minutes and pick times of the day to start. First thing in the morning or right after lunch.
Let this be part of your rules. In order to keep everyone safe, we all have to wear a mask. Younger children, especially company when you frame this as a rule.
Be creative and allow for choices. Children like to be in control of their decisions. Provide a variety of masks to choose from. Be creative and allow them to design their masks. Think of this mask as part of your child wardrobe. Make a matching mask for your child’s stuffed animal or doll.
Be flexible for kids who have sensory challenges. Create a safe space with social distance if your child needs to adjust or remove the mask from a short period of time.
Just like with any behaviors you want to see occur again, use positive reinforcement, This will increase the likelihood your child will automatically wear the mask the next day.
Let’s make this new school year a success; whether going into the classroom or being home-schooled. The “new normal” is going to take some adjusting but making small everyday, lifestyle changes make a huge difference.