How Can You Convince Your Child to Wear Their Eyeglasses?
Admin • September 26, 2019
More than 36 percent of girls and 29 percent of boys ages 6 through 17 need corrective lenses, according to the National Center for Health Statistics' 2016 National Health Interview Survey. If your child is one of the many who needs glasses, but they refuse to wear them, take a look at how you can help.
Do you wear glasses? Act as an eyeglass-wearing role model. Point out the times when you wear your glasses and make note of the reasons why you don't - such as when you go to sleep at night, shower, or swim.
If you don't wear glasses, you can still help your child to find a role model. Possible options include:
- Other family members
. Your spouse, a grandparent, a favorite aunt, or siblings can show your child the advantages of eyeglasses through their own experiences.
- Friends
. Does your child have close friend who wears glasses? Another child who gladly wears glasses can play a positive role in your child's life. Think of this as positive peer pressure.
- Characters from books, movies, or television shows
. Characters such as Harry Potter and Superman (as Clark Kent) famously wore glasses. Even though these aren't real people, your child can still see them as role models.
Even though role modeling positive behaviors can help your child to wear their glasses, it isn't the only strategy. Read on for more information on what else you can do if your child still resists.
Offer Options
Who chose your child's glasses? The chance to make decisions for themselves gives children a sense of control over the situation. Whether they're anxious about their new vision change or have concerns about what other people will think of their glasses, your child needs to feel some degree of control or power over the situation.
Even though your child doesn't have the choice to wear their glasses or not, they can choose:
- The frame style
. What shape of glasses does your child like? Even though you may think a larger frame fits their heart-shaped face, take a step back and let your child lead the way.
- The frame color
. Do you think a plain neutral is the right way to go? Again, step back and let your child choose. If they prefer a bold color or a pastel hue, the choice is theirs.
- The frame pattern
. Does your child prefer a patterned frame over a solid color? If so, let them pick a pattern they love.
Not only do choices offer a sense of control, but the ability to select the just-right frame gives your child a sense of ownership. Your child can feel free to express themselves, and their own personal style, through their eyewear selection. And if they love the look of their glasses, they'll probably want to wear them and show them off.
Ask for Help
You aren't the only adult who can remind your child to wear their glasses. If your child ignores your constant stream of pleas, ask for help from:
- Your spouse/partner
. The other parent should chime in too. Ask them to gently remind your child to wear their glasses when you are, and aren't, around.
- Your child's teacher
. Does your child wear their glasses at school? If your child conveniently forgets their glasses in their locker or removes them during class, ask the teacher to remind them.
- Your child's after-school activity instructors
. A coach, art educator, dance instructor, or other after-school activity helper can also remind your child that they need to wear their glasses as prescribed.
- Your child's eye doctor
. Before you leave the office, ask the eye care expert to review the benefits of wearing glasses regularly.
The more your child is reminded to wear their glasses by people they love and respect, the more likely they are to use their corrective lenses.
Does your child need an eye exam or new glasses? Contact Fraser Optical
for more information.
