Children have an incredible capacity to adapt, which allows them to deal with new things healthily. When it comes to their first pair of glasses, there are a few tips to ease the transition period and ensure that your child wears them according to the recommendations of their trusted optometrist.
First, it all starts with the parent's attitude toward wearing glasses. If you have any concerns, don't hesitate to discuss the subject with the optometrist, but not in front of your child!
Demonstrate the positive aspects of wearing glasses to your child. For example, your child will be able to do their favourite activities in comfort, such as watching TV or reading a book.
Bring up the topic of wearing glasses and going to the optometrist as an exciting time. You can show them pictures of their idols or characters that wear glasses. Some examples: Harry Potter, Minions, Clark Kent (Superman), Velma (Scooby-Doo), Simon (Alvin and the Chipmunks), Peter Parker (Spider-Man), SpongeBob SquarePants, John (Peter Pan), Carl (Up!), Cyclops (X-Men), etc.
If your child complains of headaches or poor vision, take the opportunity to remind them that it's all going to be taken care of with glasses.
If you wear glasses, don't hesitate to share your experience to show that wearing glasses is fun. Kids want to do what grown-ups do!
Choosing the frame
Involving your child in the choice of their first pair of glasses, like with clothes, is an opportunity for them to assert themselves and show their identity. A pair of glasses that doesn't look like them may create a negative feeling toward wearing glasses.
Choose the frame with your optician to ensure the comfort of the glasses behind their ears and on their nose. This will also ensure visual comfort when the glasses are delivered.
Once your child has their glasses
Allow them to decorate their case! They can personalize it to their taste, for example, with stickers. This way, they will make their glasses their own.
Do the following exercise with your child: ask them if they can see the difference between an image looked at with and without glasses, for example, during a movie or an outing. Let them know that the glasses are there for their well-being and to enhance their experience during their favourite activities.
To ensure they care for their glasses, show them how and, most importantly, do it with them first to build their confidence.
If your child doesn't want to wear glasses, ask them questions! Do they hurt behind the ears or on their nose? Can they see correctly? Are the lenses clean? Did a friend make a comment? Try to get to the bottom of the problem to find the real source of what is causing the issue.
If you have questions, meet with an IRIS professional, they will be able to answer your questions and give you valuable advice for your child's first pair of glasses.
