How to Help Your Child Adapt to Wearing a Mask

7 Quick Tips for Parents to Help Your Child Adapt to Wearing a Mask

Explain WHY

Use easy-to-understand language and positive phrasing.

For example, "Many people are sick right now. Wearing a mask will protect you from germs."

Take a Picture

Ask family members or friends to take pictures of themselves wearing masks.

You can even arrange a virtual get together so everyone can show off their masks.

Practice Makes Perfect

Shape the behavior by breaking it down into smaller steps. Then practice & reinforce each step.

Let's Pretend

Integrate masks into your favorite pretend play schemes.

Encourage your child to dress up as a doctor, nurse, or veterinarian. 

Get Creative

Allow your child to decorate their mask using crayons or markers.

If you are planning to make a DIY cloth mask, allow him/her to pick the fabric color or pattern.

Stuffed Animals & Dolls Need Masks Too

Put a mask on your child's favorite stuffed animal or doll as a reminder that we are all in this together!

Start with Familiar Clothing

Choose clothing that your child already wears and turn it into a mask.

Some ideas include: a scarf, balaclava or bandana

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For more information about the coronavirus, please visit the NYS Department of Health ( www.health.ny.gov ) and the Centers for Disease Control ( www.cdc.gov ) websites.

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