We understand that the CDC recommends wearing cloth face masks in public to help slow the spread of coronavirus, but do kids care? Not so much. The Academy of Pediatrics advises children over two should also wear masks when they’re outside the home, but actually getting your toddler or first-grader to keep a face mask on isn’t always easy. So if you’re struggling to wrangle your kids into one, try these tips from real-life moms who have done it successfully.

Source: PureWow

Make sure it’s actually a child-size mask

Not only do the masks made specifically for children fit their faces better, they also come in fun prints, like dinosaurs and unicorns, so kids are more likely to want to wear them

Add a cape and make it a superhero thing

Wearing a mask is a lot more fun for the kids when they have on a cape and you’re off on a mission to pick up a prescription or groceries.

Fun Fact: Most kids love superheroes and, thanks to Marvel, many adults do too (sometimes at unhealthy levels)

Help them make a matching mask for their favorite stuffed animal

Putting a bandana or piece of cloth around their favorite doll or stuffed animal’s face may help make kids more comfortable with the idea of wearing a mask.

Talk to them about why they have to wear a mask

If your kids are old enough, explain why we wear masks and wash our hands so much during the day.

Fun Fact: Masks cover your face so that you not only protect yourself but also those loved ones around you, and even those people you don’t really like too.

Turn it into a guessing game

If you’re waiting in line with your child, ask them if you’re frowning or smiling under your mask, then let them make a face and you take a turn guessing.

Normalize it

Seeing everyone wearing masks can be a little scary for a kid, so make it feel more normal by showing them photos of their friends and family wearing masks, too

Bribe and reward

When all else fails, use whatever works, stickers, quarters, bonus screen time, or anything else that you can bribe them with.

Fun Fact: If you’re wearing a mask all day be sure to carry mints or gum with you to keep your breath smelling fresh…trust me…

100 Things To Do At Home – #12

How to make a mask at home

Learn how to make your own face mask at home!