With masks now becoming mandatory in Ottawa, parents may face the challenge of persuading their kids to wear one, or more importantly, making sure the face masks stay on. I’ve witnessed parents telling their kids off for pulling down and tugging at their masks as they browse through the grocery store aisles.

For kids who aren’t used to the idea of a face mask, the urge to take it off will be strong. When that’s the case, it’s important to intervene and make wearing masks fun. Here are some tips you can use to help familiarize your kids with the concept.

Decorate Your Masks

Encourage kids to decorate their face masks. Whether it’s disposable or re-usable, decorating the mask will help create a sense of ownership and control over the situation. Having a personal touch can make the mask feel like it’s part of their daily routine, rather than something they have to do for reasons they may not understand. Get them to put stickers on it or draw on it with markers. You can be as creative as you like!

Make Your Own Masks

If you’re wanting to take it a step further, consider involving your kids in a make-your-own-mask activity at home. Not only can parents can choose a more comfortable material and make it any size for optimal comfort, but having the kids witness the production process will help familiarize masks for them. They will be more likely to wear it and the best thing is that it won’t look like the masks they’re probably used to seeing at the dentist’s office.

Lead by Example

The best thing you can do is be a model for your kids and wear a face mask whenever you go out in public. More than likely, kids will naturally want to follow suit. Another great tip is to get used to talking to your kids while wearing a mask. This might help alleviate stranger anxiety. Wearing a mask hides a person’s face. You can’t see their lips move and can’t tell if they are smiling at you. For kids, this can especially be a challenge because they often rely on facial cues. As they get used to talking to you through a face mask, they’ll be more open to the idea of interacting with others wearing a mask too.

Positive Reinforcement

There is an old adage that says positive reinforcement works wonders. Always encourage your kids when they wear a mask or do their part to keep a physical distance around others. You can also make the whole process more fun by setting up a point chart at home and give stickers for each time they wear a mask in public.

Matching Face Masks for Friends

For younger kids, making a custom matching face-mask that they can put on their favorite stuffed animal or toy can also help convincing them to wear masks more proudly. It’s important that kids know that face masks aren’t a form of punishment, but rather it’s to keep everyone safe. By giving them the responsibility of keeping their favorite stuffed toy safe, they will naturally be more likely to want to wear a mask too. And the concept doesn’t just work with stuffed toys. If you’re kid has a group of friends, provide them with cool matching masks and they’ll be excited to wear them in no time!

Designer Masks

For those who have older kids who understand the importance of wearing face masks, but might not think it’s ‘cool’, buy them special themed masks or ‘designer masks’. Get them to start a collection with various colors that can become fashion statements. They might not like the idea of wearing disposable masks or at-home-masks that they know were made out of your old curtain fabrics. There are tonnes of options available. If you know your kids is a fan of Minecraft, get them a Minecraft-themed face mask. If you’re kid is a fan of Marvel, then Disney carries an amazing assortment of themed masks. Canadian brand Narces is offering a wide selection of masks with more subtle and elegant designs for the fashion-savvy. The options here are endless. A quick search on the web will link you to thousands of options and brands offering a variety of colorful and themed masks to choose from.