Wearing masks while out in public is important in keeping everyone, including kids, safe from COVID-19. We asked Becki Logan, Certified Child Life Specialist at La Rabida, how parents can help their child understand the importance of masks and ways to get kids excited about wearing them.

How do you get a child to understand why wearing a mask is important?

Becki: First and foremost, model appropriate mask wearing. Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and wear it properly in public. Young kids watch the adults they trust and take cues from them.

Explain in age appropriate language why they need the mask. For preschoolers and young school-age children, it can be as simple as saying something like "wearing a face mask helps people from getting sick." Along with the explanation, provide choices when possible, such as which color of mask or a type of decoration to put on it.

And lastly, play is important! Little cloth masks for stuffed animals and dolls are useful. Look online for their favorite characters to print out, and either draw on a mask or make one with a paper towel that you can put on.  Let them decorate their own masks. The more the kids play with masks and are familiar with them, the more comfortable they will be with the concept of wearing one when they need to.

How can parents explain why masks are important without scaring them?

Keep explanations simple and truthful. Asking them if they have questions and give them the opportunity to ask, even if it is more through play. Kids pick up on safety. They know and learn that we wear coats when it is cold to keep us safe from the cold, we wear shoes to keep our feet safe from hard things or dirt on the streets, and they know we wear seatbelts to keep us safe in cars. Little reminders like this can help.

Is there a certain type of mask that is best for a younger child (3-6)?

Listen to your kid! If something is really, really uncomfortable they won't wear it or will be very unhappy if they have to. For some kids, soft ear loops might be more comfortable. For others, a tie in the back might be better. If you can, try out a couple of different types and ask your child what they like.

For kids with special sensory needs, this is especially important. Different fabrics next to the skin can be liked or disliked. There have been some special masks made that help with special needs such as ones with soft Velcro, plastic windows for mouths, and ones that fit over hats.

Do you find that kids drool, chew, or frequently play with the mask? How should parents handle this?

Yes, kids can be messy. Things like drool and sticky hands can ruin a mask. Certainly have back-ups when possible if you are going out into public. Let your young child help pack the back-ups in their school backpack. This way they will know where to find a clean, new mask when the one they’re wearing gets dirty.