This blog was originally written here for SmileMakers Inc through a paid partnership. All opinions are my own.

Kids and adults alike that are immunocompromised are no strangers to wearing masks, however, 2020 has brought a mask-theme crash course to all of us.

When children attending in-person school were asked to wear masks for more than 8 hours a day, there was some push back, as could be expected. As adults, we can relate to their feelings. Masks can feel uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time.

So, when adults started asking for help to encourage kids to wear their masks for long periods of time, Child Life Specialists jumped to action with our well-proven track record of preparing, supporting and educating kids about going through uncomfortable or unknown situations.

This strategy works for far more than just mask-wearing, so consider taking these practical tips and applying them to other scenarios.

We prepare them. That means we talk about the specifics and why something has to take place. Kids do a great job about asking the questions they want to know answers to, so take the time to listen during preparation. It’s not just about what YOU say, it’s about how they respond.

• Preparation can be hands on, and that’s why I love using the SmileMakers plain, white disposable masks. Get out the glue and rhinestones. Get out the fun markers. Get out the stickers. Make these masks SPECIAL and make them FUN.
• Use a puppet who has a mask to facilitate the conversation. You will be surprised about how kids process things when speaking to a puppet versus an adult. It feels less threatening to some children and adds a layer of entertainment which kids respond to.
• Show pictures of other kids wearing masks. Simply type “child in mask” in Google and let them look through all the other kids they see wearing masks.
• Practice makes perfect. Start small by using a 3 to 5 minute timer and praise them when they meet their goal.

We support them. This means that we come up with specific ways (i.e. a coping plan) to handle what is about to happen.

• Why do we have to wear masks? We make it personal. “to protect yourself and your friends and teachers around you.”
• We give specific jobs. “Your job is to wear your mask on your face. It covers your nose and mouth and the loops go around your ears.”
• We reinforce positive behavior. “Look at you wearing your mask! You’re doing awesome!”
• We give CHOICES when choices can be given!
  • Do you want to use a mask extender to make it more comfortable? Would you like the animal extender or the “it’s kind to mask” extender?
    
  • Which colorful pouch do you want to keep your mask in?
    
  • Which lanyard do you want to wear?
    
• We help with alternative focus. “When wearing your mask feels really hard, what should we do to make it better?” Try squeezing a stress ball, thinking about your favorite book, or doing something fun.

We follow up.

• After the uncomfortable experience has been completed, we talk about what worked and didn’t work. What was helpful, what didn’t really make an impact, and what we can do differently for next time.

While this specific example supports kids wearing masks, what other experiences could you incorporate the prepare, support, follow up model with?