Does your child need to start wearing glasses? These can be tricky waters to navigate. Children tend to focus on the now, and may not be sufficiently concerned about how wearing (or not wearing) glasses will affect their vision later. They also can be very conscious of social stigmas, and may resist wearing glasses out of a fear of being teased.
Here are some tips:
Choose Age-Appropriate Glasses: Frames that fit well will be more comfortable, and less of an inconvenience.
Use A Reward System: Offer prizes or special treats for taking good care of their eyewear. You can incorporate a fun calendar or stickers into this routine if you like.
Let Your Child Choose The Glasses: Let your little one be part of the process from the start.
Get A Fun Case: Kids are more likely to keep tabs on a case they love!
Read Books/Stories With Heroes That Wear Glasses: Harry Potter, anyone?
Be Realistic: If contacts are an option down the road, let your child know they can explore that opportunity later … as long as they're responsible with their glasses.
Ask your Bellingham, WA optometrist for more tips on helping your child get used to their glasses.
