Can Wearing a Mask Affect Children's Mental Health

Children need to have the ability to connect emotionally with their primary caregivers.

Secure attachments are formed from infancy to 6 years of age and are formed through displays and actions of empathy and emotional cues. Notably secure attachments with children are mainly formed through facial gestures as we show affection.

During the current pandemic, we must ensure that children form healthy interpretations of the world as one of the most expressive parts of the body, the face is covered by a mask.It is important to recognize that each child's emotional intelligence is formed differently at different stages. 

During infancy parents use a lot of facial expressions to communicate with their children in the comfort of the  home, this is the best time to introduce your child to the mask as you continue to the primary stage. 

Here are activities you can incorporate at your home:

• Introduce the face mask to children in a familiar place, such as your home, before bringing them into the world of covered faces. Trying new things within the comfort and safety of your family offers children the opportunity to step outside their normal routines.( infancy- Primary)
  
  
• Let your child see the mask, and then put it on your face. Explain to your child that you will be wearing the mask when you’re out and about, and that other people will be wearing them too. Helping your child to anticipate future events offers security and eases anxiety.( Toddler-Primary)
  
  
• Play peek-a-boo: Cover your mouth and then take the mask away to reveal a smile. Do this several times. Explain to your child that you’ll be smiling even though your face isn’t visible. ( perfect for infant -preschooler)
  
  
• Play “guess my expression”: Ask your child to watch your eyes and eyebrows. Try to make them as expressive as your mouth (think about the term “smiling eyes”). Ask your child to guess how you’re feeling from the expression of your eyes and eyebrows. You can also reveal how the expression in the eyes matches your mouth by taking off your face mask.( Toddler to Primary)
  
  
• Talk to your child through your mask. The mask will muffle your voice so it’s helpful to find a speaking volume that your child can hear.( infant- preschool)

Seeking professional parent practitioner at this stage can help your family to come up with supportive environment that can nurture positive parenting.

At Inventive Minds Child and Family Institute we work together with all families to create a healthy holistic environment for the child to feel secure and loved.