Taking your child to get their first pair of glasses shouldn’t be a complicated process, but for many parents, it becomes a battle between them and their little one. While some children have no problem wearing glasses and may jump at the opportunity to change up their look, others are more reluctant. There can be fears of being bullied or looking different. They may get upset about wearing them or even outright refuse. They might even wait until you’re out of sight and stuff them into their school bag, spending the rest of the day squinting at the whiteboard.
But this shouldn’t have to be the case. With the right techniques and encouragement, it will be possible to get your child not just to accept their glasses but to outright love them. Here are five tips to help you achieve this goal.
Be positive about glasses
You want your child to see their new glasses as something that will improve their life. Talk to them about how their new specs will help them do better at school as well as improving their enjoyment of films, TV shows, and books. But don’t just talk up the practical benefits. Try and help your child see them as a fun accessory rather than a dull vision-enhancing tool.
Let them pick their frames
One of the best ways to get your child on board is to let them pick their frames. This way, they will enjoy the sense of responsibility and have the chance to pick out a cool pair of glasses to show off on the playground. Plenty of optometrists and glasses websites offer colorful frames with children’s characters, which will help make the process a lot more fun and exciting. Visit website here to browse a huge range of children’s glasses.
Point out bespectacled celebrities
One of the most common reasons kids might be reluctant to wear glasses is because they fear they will be seen as “nerdy” or “uncool.” But countless A-list celebrities rock their specs and look absolutely incredible in them. Show your child pictures of celebs they idolize wearing glasses, and they will soon come to realize they are anything but uncool. Famous people like David Beckham, Rihanna, and Justin Timberlake can be spotted with specs, as well as a huge list of others. And if your child is too young to care about the A-list, what better fictional idol to look up to than Harry Potter?
Be firm
Although you want to be encouraging and positive about their glasses, there will be times when you need to put your foot down. After all, it is for the benefit of their eyesight. If they refuse to wear them or sneak them off when you’re not looking, you will need to be firm and make sure they keep them on.
Take it slow
Getting your child to love their glasses won’t happen overnight. When they get older, they will have no embarrassment or worry about wearing their specs, but for children it can take a little longer to get used to. Take it one day at a time, and see every development as a positive.