The health of your child's eyes and vision is one of the most important factors in ensuring their overall well-being. However, children are not as aware of its impact as you are. New experiences can be intimidating for kids, and wearing glasses is one of those experiences.
Many children enjoy wearing glasses, but some find them boring or even dislike them. As a parent, it is your responsibility to help your child understand that glasses are a tool for seeing the world more clearly.
According to statistics, one in four schoolchildren and one in twenty preschoolers has some form of vision problem. If a child who needs glasses refuses to wear them, it can significantly impact their eye health. They might try to break their glasses or refuse to wear them altogether. However, wearing glasses should not be an option for them—it must be a part of their daily routine wherever they go and whatever they do. This is a significant responsibility for a young child, so you must teach them the importance of wearing glasses and encourage them to use them.
There are several ways to persuade children to wear glasses. As parents, you must do your best in this regard, as avoiding glasses can lead to more serious vision problems. Below, we will discuss some effective methods to help children get used to wearing glasses.
Talk to your child about the advantages of wearing glasses and the disadvantages of not using them. Your child may only see the negative aspects of glasses, so it is important to highlight the benefits. You can also use movies and books to encourage them.
The first step is to encourage the child who needs glasses. Since children need support and motivation, try to understand their feelings about the situation. It is important that your child feels good about themselves when wearing glasses. Create a positive perception by making it seem like a special event before they even start wearing them.
If your child is school-aged, emphasize how glasses can improve their performance in class. Explain nearsightedness and how glasses help them see the board more clearly. At this age, they are old enough to understand that glasses make life easier and better for them.
Prepare your child for interactions with others who might tease them about their glasses. Teach them how to respond to inevitable remarks and taunts. You can role-play scenarios and discuss how to handle teasing confidently.
Encourage them to connect with other children who wear glasses. Classroom discussions on the benefits of glasses, reading books about them, or inviting an eye doctor to speak in class can also help.
Tell your child that they look great with glasses. Even if they shrug it off and say you are just being nice, they still appreciate hearing positive affirmations from you. Also, remind them that some of their classmates might have similar vision problems and may need glasses soon.
Your child may initially resist wearing glasses. Therefore, patience is key. Start by having them wear glasses for 15 minutes a day and gradually increase the duration. Before long, they will get used to wearing them regularly.
Encouragement is different from forcing a child to wear glasses. Never be forceful; instead, focus on positive reinforcement. Praise your child and let them know how happy you are that they wear their glasses regularly.
You can use a reward system, such as a chart where they earn a star each time they wear their glasses properly—whether while reading, watching TV, or looking at the board in class. A young child can place stickers on the chart to track their progress.
For additional motivation, you can reward them with a trip to the cinema or a new book. Try choosing rewards related to vision to reinforce the importance of wearing glasses.
Show your child that many people wear glasses when needed. Referencing role models they admire or people they know personally can be particularly effective. You can find many examples of individuals who wear glasses.
Point out their favorite sports stars, actors, or friends who wear glasses. Remind them that glasses make them look even more attractive and special, just like their favorite celebrities.
Respect your child’s preferences when selecting their glasses. There are many options that might appeal to them. By allowing them to pick their frames, they will likely be more excited to wear them. However, do not expect them to be enthusiastic right away. With encouragement and consistency, they will eventually get into the habit of wearing glasses daily.
Choose an eye doctor who can communicate well with children and make them feel comfortable about following medical advice.
Make sure your child’s glasses fit well and feel comfortable. If the frames are uncomfortable, they may not enjoy wearing them. Since children grow quickly, their glasses may need periodic adjustments to ensure they fit properly. If the glasses are too tight or too loose, your child may resist wearing them.
A good optometrist who can connect with your child and make them feel at ease can be very helpful. If your child's glasses are uncomfortable, consult the doctor to adjust or replace them.
Show your child how to properly clean and care for their glasses. Buy them a stylish and attractive case for storage. Participating in activities like cleaning their glasses together can make the process more enjoyable and engaging.
If you make it fun, your child might develop a greater interest in wearing glasses.
Since children spend a significant part of their day at school, teachers can play a crucial role in encouraging them to wear glasses. Praise from a teacher or classmates can boost their confidence.
Talk to your child’s teacher about their vision needs. For example, sitting closer to the board may help. Additionally, a teacher’s support can be valuable in preventing bullying from classmates.
Once your child gets used to wearing glasses, ensure that they remain in good condition. If your child wears glasses all the time, any defects in the lenses or frames can impact their eye health. Regular checkups help ensure their vision needs are met.
Throughout this process, remind your child:
“Always use both hands when putting on or taking off your glasses to avoid damaging them.”
“When you’re not wearing them, keep them in their case to prevent scratches or breakage.”
“Glasses belong on your nose, not on top of your head.”
“Clean your glasses using either soap and water or specialized cleaning sprays and wipes.”
If your child needs to wear glasses all the time, ensure their case is always in their school bag. Teach them to check their bag every morning before leaving for school. These habits are essential for getting them accustomed to wearing and caring for their glasses.
As mentioned earlier, wearing glasses should not be an option for your child—it must become a part of their daily routine. Wherever they go and whatever they do, their glasses should be with them. This is a significant responsibility for a young child. Parents must teach their children the importance of glasses and encourage them to wear them regularly.
A child’s eyesight should be checked after birth, at four years old, and periodically after that. As children grow, their vision needs change every six months, making regular checkups essential.
