Shani Thornton, MS, CCLS, RWWP ChildLifeMommy.com [email protected] Tips for Parents on Mask Wearing ● Provide simple explanations of why we need to wear a mask ○ It is to protect ourselves and others from COVID19 ■ If they haven’t yet explained COVID19 then, start there. Video: DIY Child Life: Explaining COVID19 (all ages) ● Play: having kids get comfortable through play. Letting them incorporate mask-wearing into dramatic play. Modeling it for them at home, putting it on their studded animals. ● Choice Making: Kids need a lot of choices right now. Any time you can give them a choice, do so. ○ What materials do they want their mask to be? ○ What colors or patterns? ○ Can they decorate it with stickers or markers? ○ What ties do they want? ● Validate those emotions: Kids need to feel heard and validated. All emotions should be accepted. ○ “This really does stink that we have to wear masks” ○ “I’m with you buddy, I don’t want to wear one either.” ○ “It can be a little scary to see other people wearing masks.” Here are some resources that parents can use at home ● Video: Superheros behind the mask ● Video: If they are in the hospital than this is what healthcare providers are having to wear. Coloring Sheets with PPE