Tips for kids with Special Needs to Wear a Mask

We are living in a time where mask-wearing is now a necessity for our survival. But mask-wearing can be a difficult task for kids and especially with kids with special needs and kids with sensitivity issues. Kids might feel itching or ticklish, resent to wear masks and have meltdowns. All these can make life difficult for parents and guardians. So, here are some tips to help kids adapt to wearing a mask.

1. Explain why wearing a mask is necessary.

• Use easy to understand language and positive phrasing.
• Use picture and video aids.
• Social story. 

2. Show photos that mask-wearing is the norm.

• Ask family members and friends to take a photo with a mask on.

3. Take small steps to get used to wearing a mask.

• Holding the mask.
• Put the mask on your kid's face.
• Pull the elastic around the ears. If it is uneasy, stitch buttons on either side of the elastic using your kids favourite cap and use that instead of wearing it around the ears.
• Let the child wear for a few seconds initially and then gradually increase the duration.
• Practice wearing the mask daily.

4. Pretend to play with a mask.

• Integrate mask-wearing in child's pretend play activity.

5. Start with familiar clothing.

• Choose a fabric that your child already wears and convert that into a mask.

6. Get creative with a mask.

• Allow the child to paint the mask.
• Allow the child to pick the colour and fabric if you are making a DIY home mask.

7. Stuffed animals and dolls too need masks.

• Put a mask on your child's favourite stuffed doll as a reminder we all are in this together.

8. Praise and reinforce the child for wearing the mask.

Each kid takes times to get used to wearing a mask but when kids wear a mask which is made of fabric that is comfortable to their skin, the mask-wearing process becomes easier. Another key to success is patience. Give your child a stress-free experience.

Joy Christin Johnson

Joy Christin Johnson is a child psychologist for over a decade, and also a mental health advocate. She conducts workshops and sessions for kids, parents and teachers. She also does research work and keeps herself updated during free time.

_{The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Eblity or its team members.}