5 Tips for helping keiki wear face masks

1) Explain why it’s important. Share that wearing a mask is a way to stop germs from spreading. Wearing a mask keeps them, family, friends, teachers, and others safe.

2) Model the behavior. If you’re asking your child to wear a mask, you should be wearing one too. Keiki often follow your example so show them when and how to wear a mask.

3) Help them get used to masks. Practice how to put them on and take them off properly. Talk through what might happen if they lose their mask at school and have fun picking out back-up masks options.

4) Encourage keiki to personalize their masks. Let them provide a personal touch to instill a sense of ownership and make them more likely to wear their mask. Labeling masks with their name will also help them identify their mask from others at school.

5) Incorporate masks into play time. Allow keiki to use their imagination to make masks a more normal part of their world. Prompt them to put a mask on their toy and ask them why it’s wearing one. This will give you a chance to clear up any confusion and offer reassurance.