Teaching Your Children The Right Way To Wear A Mask
With each passing day, we are getting more accustomed to the new normal and have started moving out for pleasure instead of only work. Initially, I wouldn’t let my daughter come along with me if I went out even if it meant being seated in a car as I wasn’t sure which mask would be ideal for her.
After a couple of times, she showed her displeasure and pleaded that I should at least allow her to go cycling around the home so she can be active.
Being within the confines of a home for over 4 months without any physical activity had become boring for her. She was fed up with doing the regular exercises at home. She had had a very active routine with school and her daily swim practice and wanted to spend some time in the evenings to go out cycling with her friends. However, I was concerned if she will keep the mask on properly.
Questions that arose were:
Will she cover her mouth and nose properly with a mask?
Will she be comfortable wearing a mask while cycling?
What if she removes the mask or the grip of the mask is not right?
Which type of mask would be safe for her?
Will an N 95 be the right one or would a cotton antibacterial reusable mask would be the one that provides her more comfort?
Are the masks available #MadeToProtect a child from viral and bacterial infections?
And also, that very important question:
How to teach your kids to wear a mask in India?
I wanted to explain this to her in the right way because I wanted her to be prepared and ready for the new normal. So, I spoke to her paediatrician first and also checked out relevant information on the WHO website.
My learnings:
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Always wear a mask yourself
Kids learn by observing. So, the primary thing to do to teach your kid to wear a mask is by wearing one yourself the correct way while moving out.
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Explain to your kid the reason to wear a mask
Explain to your child that wearing a mask keeps us safe and others around us safe as well or wearing a mask can help protect us and others from germs. You can also show them infographics available on the WHO website.
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Enlist the Do’s and Don’ts of how to wear a cloth mask
I showed my daughter an infographic on WHO website about the Do’s and Don’ts of wearing a cloth mask as she is old enough to understand. For younger kids, you can engage in an activity where you can role play and demonstrate the right way of wearing a mask. Here are the do’s and don’ts that you can explain to your child.
Do’s:
- Wash your hands before touching the mask
- Check if the mask is dirty or damaged before wearing
- Adjust the mask properly so that it covers the mouth, nose and chin without leaving any gaps on the sides.
- Always wash your hands before removing the mask
- Remove the mask by the straps behind the ears
- Wash your hand after removing the mask.
- Wash the mask at least once during the day with soap and water
- Always store the mask in a clean reusable bag if it is not wet or dirty and you plan to reuse it.
- Remove the mask by its straps while taking it out of a bag.
Don’ts:
- Do not wear a damaged or dirty mask
- Do not wear a loose mask
- Do not wear the mask under the nose
- Do not wear a wet mask
- Do not share your mask with others
- Do not remove your mask if in a public place with many people around
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Practice wearing the mask
Before you bring your child, especially young kids out in public in a mask practice putting on the mask for short durations at home so that they are comfortable.
5. Choose an attractive design for a kid’s mask
One can easily find kid-friendly patterns and options for face masks. You could look for cloth masks that feature your child’s favourite colour. You can even have your child help choose a design, so they feel a part of the process. We chose as it provides 99.9% bacterial protection and is available in different colours, patterns and sizes for kids and adults. It is made from 100% cotton, hence is breathable and comfortable to wear. The anti-bacterial finish is effective for up to 50 washes. Moreover, the features of Welspun Health Masks are tested by independent 3rd party labs which gives assurance of the mask quality. The best feature of the Welspun mask is that it comes with 2 free masks fit adjusters for comfortable wear.
It depends on the age of the child on how well they adjust to wearing a mask. However, from my experience, older kids are able to adjust pretty quickly. For younger kids, you can tell them how superhero doctors wear masks and help us fight many illnesses. I am sure they will be more than eager to wear a mask and want to become a superhero too!
I hope this information helps all of you to teach your kids the right way to wear a mask as we unlock and embrace the new normal.
Wear a mask that is #MadeToProtect
Stay Safe!
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