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Dispelling the Myths that Surround Children and Masks

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children aged 2 and older wear face masks when they are unable to remain six feet away from others. Except for children who are unable to remove a mask from themselves, this means kids heading back to school or daycare will be wearing masks.

Unfortunately, there are still many myths regarding children and face masks. The most pervasive of these myths are outlined in a recent article posted on healthychildren.org, Mask Mythbusters: 5 Common Misconceptions about Kids & Cloth Face Coverings.

The article also provides guidance on how to make masks as effective as possible. Here are some ways to ensure that a child’s mask is doing its job:

  1. It covers the nose and mouth
  2. It fits snugly but comfortably against the sides of the face
  3. It is secure
  4. It has multiple layers of fabric
  5. It allows for unrestricted breathing

Parents need not worry that their children are being harmed when wearing masks. However, parents who have concerns should reach out to their doctor or other health care provider. 

Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

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New on the Back-to-School Supply List? Face Coverings

kid face mask

Face masks are no longer an option for most kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children aged 2 and older wear face coverings when they are unable to remain six feet away from others. If your child is struggling to adapt to face coverings – or you are worried about the impact these masks may have on them – you are not alone.

How Will Mask-Wearing Affect My Toddler’s Development? I Asked Two Child Psychologists

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/mask-wearing-affect-toddler-development-100000199.html

If you are worried that your child’s emotional intelligence will suffer as a result of masks, you are not alone. 

 

From Toddlers to Teens: How to Talk to Kids About Wearing Masks

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/from-toddlers-to-teens-how-to-talk-to-kids-about-wearing-masks#Early-education:-Kindergarten-to-second-grade

Getting children to comprehend the importance of wearing masks can come with its own set of unique challenges depending on a child’s age.

 

12 Fun Kids’ Face Masks for the COVID-19 Pandemic

https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/story/2020-08-14/fun-kids-face-masks-covid-19-pandemic

Some kids will adjust better than others to wearing face masks. Providing fun options for toddlers, children and teens can help with the transition.

Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

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How to Get Your Child Comfortable Wearing a Face Mask

Many children have a tough time adjusting to wearing a face mask. Unfortunately, this is becoming more of an issue as kids are heading back to school, day care and other activities. 

Ask most parents of young children and they will likely tell you how exhausting it is trying to get children to put face masks on, let alone keep them on for any length of time. It is something that must be done, however. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children aged 2 and older wear face masks when they are unable to remain six feet away from others. The exception to this recommendation would be children who are unable to remove a mask from themselves. This includes those with developmental delays or neurologic issues.

To prepare your child for wearing a mask for long periods of time, start them off slowly and gradually increase the amount of time they wear their mask. Each time they put it on try to extend the period of time they wear it by a few minutes until they get used to it.

It is important that your child’s face mask is the right size for their face. A mask designed for an adult is going to be uncomfortable on a child and won’t do its job either. Pleated masks often fit kids the best and ear loops work better than ear ties at this age. Masks should cover the nose and mouth and remain secure under the chin.

If your child seems apprehensive about wearing a mask, there are things you can do to make them feel more at ease. This includes putting masks on their toys or allowing them to personalize their mask.

Here are some other tips when it comes to masks and children:

  1. Teach children how to take off their mask by pulling on the ear loops not on the front of the mask.
  2. Make sure children wash their hands before handling their masks.
  3. Have children take off their masks when they are eating, drinking or napping.
  4. Always have extra masks available for children in case the one they are wearing gets dirty or wet.
  5. Tell your children that sharing masks is not something they should do. Clearly label masks with your child’s name to prevent mix-ups.
  6. Disposable masks should be thrown away after use. Reusable or cloth mask should be washed with soap and water at the end of each day.
  7. Don’t require your child to wear a mask when they are only around their immediate family. This includes in the car or at home.

Finally, as is the case with most things in life, children will take their cue from their parents. In other words, the more comfortable you act when wearing a mask, the more comfortable your child is likely to feel. 

Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

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Easing the Transition Back to School, Daycare and Work

back-to-school

If you are like most families, the past few months have been spent together. From early in the morning until bedtime, most children have become accustomed to being with their parents all day, every day. Whether those parents were working from home, helping siblings with homework or doing the laundry, they were hardly ever more than down the hall or up the stairs from their children.

Now that many parents are going back to work, children who have become accustomed to having their parents with them 24/7 now will have to become re-accustomed to going back to school or daycare. For some children, this will be a welcome change and an opportunity to reconnect with playmates. Others may have a more difficult time adjusting.

The adjustment will likely be more challenging for children between the ages of 18 months and 3 years old. This age group is more prone to separation anxiety and may struggle with the idea of leaving their parent’s side.

There are things you can do to make this transition easier on everyone. Child development experts suggest the following tips to reestablish what was once a seamless routine (and will be again):

  1. Be upfront. If your child is old enough to understand that they will be going back to school or daycare, let them know ahead of time. This is not something you want to spring on a child the night before.
  2. Get into a routine. As soon as possible, settle into a consistent bedtime routine, get up at a normal time, get dressed, eat breakfast and so on.
  3. Do some trial runs. If you can get someone to watch your child for an hour or so a few days now, do it. This will help children to remember that just because you are apart for a bit, you always come back together!
  4. Talk things out. Depending on the age of your children, ask them how they feel about going back to school or daycare. Don’t dismiss their worries but rather reassure them that everyone is feeling a bit unsettled but that it will get better.
  5. Expect a period of transition. Everyone (including you!) may be tired and stressed the first few weeks. As much as possible, try to cut everyone some slack as they adjust.
  6. Set apart some special time. Once you are back to work and your children are back in school or daycare, try to make some special one-on-one time with them in the evening or on weekends to let them know that while schedules change, your relationship will always remain strong.

Getting back into a regular routine of work, school, daycare and other activities is something we all will have to deal with at some point. However, it isn’t going to be like turning on a light switch. Be patient with your kids and be sure and cut yourself some slack, as well!

Premier Academy offers affordable childcare in the Omaha/Elkhorn area. To learn more, visit us at premieracademyinc.com.

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