I don’t want this to be a political post… I’m not going to say whether or not I agree with mask-wearing or whether or not I think requiring them is infringing on our freedom. That’s not what this site is for. The reality is that with the COVID-19 pandemic (which probably isn’t just going to go away any time soon), many states/schools/businesses are requiring people to wear masks when in public places. Whatever your reasons for encouraging your child to wear a mask (because it’s required or because you’re an advocate of mask-wearing), here are some tips for getting your child to wear one:

• Wear a mask yourself. This doesn’t work for every child, but many children will be more likely to wear a mask if they see their caregivers wearing a mask. My daughter is highly motivated to wear a mask because she’s (somehow) thinks her mom and dad are pretty cool, so if we wear masks, she’s more than happy to wear hers.
• Provide rationales/reasons. Talk to your kids (depending on age) about why it’s important to wear a mask. You don’t have to scare them, but give them just enough information to explain why wearing a mask is important. This might be, “the store won’t let us shop here if we don’t have it on,” or might be “masks help protect people from germs.” Try not to overthink it. Depending on the age of your child, knowing WHY they need to wear a mask might make them more likely to follow through.
• Take baby steps – get them used to wearing a mask a little bit at a time. If your child is going to be required to wear a mask ALL DAY at school, or if you’re going to have your child wear a mask on a long plane ride, it’s in your and their best interest to have them “practice” for smaller amounts of time leading up to those longer periods of time. Start with 10-15 minutes and work your way up.
• Praise and speak positively about masks. Anyone familiar with this site knows I’m a big believer in praise. It can do wonders. So praise your child for wearing a mask. Tell them they’re doing a great job. Also, talk positively about masks and mask-wearers when you’re around your child. If it’s your opinion that nobody should be required to wear a mask and masks are worthless, then great – you have the right to that opinion. AND you have the right to share that opinion with anyone you want. But I’m here to tell you that if you’re bashing masks and people who wear them while your child is within earshot, your kiddos is going to be less likely and less motivated to wear a mask if/when you need them to.
• Make it fun. Turn mask-wearing into a sort of game… your a special kind of super hero and your mask if you “cape.” Find masks with fun prints. Turn “practice” time into a game, to see who can keep their mask on the longest. Find ways to make it fun and you’re sure to have a kiddo who enjoys wearing a mask.
• Reward. If all else fails, offer a reward. If your child is required to wear a mask at school, let them know that they can have a favorite snack when they get home if they make it through the day with their mask. Offer a few extra minutes of screen time if your kiddo complies with mask-wearing. Do what you need to do.

Good luck! Comment with any ideas that have worked for you that you’d like to share!

Disclaimer: I am a licensed mental health therapist, but I am not your therapist. The information in this article is for general informational purposes only. This article does not create a therapist-client relationship. If you need specific recommendations based on your individual circumstances, please consult with a mental health practitioner near you.