Glasses for a child: how to choose and convince them to wear them

Vision can deteriorate at any age. And children are no exception. But what should parents do if their son or daughter does not want to wear glasses? This can result in a real conflict between two generations and endanger the health of the baby. There are several psychological techniques. Learn how to convince your child and how to choose the right glasses.

In childhood, the foundations of behavior and habits are laid. For children with impaired vision, wearing glasses is a must. After all, they help stop vision deterioration and correct it. And it depends on the parents how quickly the baby gets used to glasses. At an early age, children get used to them quite quickly and take the accessory for granted.

However, schoolchildren may be categorically against it. Properly selected medical frames, as well as a balanced parental position and a desire to understand their child, will help solve the problem.

The strength of the arguments. First of all, you need to talk frankly with your child and explain the benefits of wearing glasses. 

Here are some arguments:

• you can watch your favorite cartoons;
• clearly see objects at any distance;
• at school you will be able to see everything written on the board, and you won't have to sit at the front desk. So, it will be much easier to study;
• You will feel comfortable with glasses. 

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Visual examples of cool heroes. Show famous people and characters wearing glasses that can motivate the child. For example, Harry Potter or Johnny Depp. Watch a movie or cartoon together with the characters wearing glasses. Find out which scientists, musicians, inventors had poor vision, wore glasses, and yet achieved great success in their field.

Source: freepik

By the way, you don't have to look far for role models if someone in your family wears glasses. Children are happy to copy adults. You can buy protective glasses for working with a computer to show your child how to take care of their health. 

Component of the image. Glasses can become part of the image, with their help it is easy to change the image and appearance. Let the child take advantage of this opportunity. Let her buy not one, but several frames with an interesting design. She will feel like an adult and will perceive glasses differently. And at the same time, buy a beautiful stylish case that she will like.

Behavior patterns. Remember, your baby needs your support, so:

• don't scold him if he refuses to wear glasses;
• do not allow anyone close to laugh at a child wearing glasses;
• if a student is being teased at school, ask the teacher to hold a lesson;
• Never scare your child with phrases like: "If you don't wear glasses, you'll go blind in a few years." Playing on fear is always a losing tactic that harms the child's psyche; 
• Glasses should be perceived as something necessary and useful, not as a punishment, so always emphasize what the child is doing right;
• If your daughter or son goes without glasses and doesn't want to wear them, or is naughty, don't rush to scold or punish them. This is completely normal in the adaptation process;
• negotiate with your child peacefully and encourage them to wear glasses in every way possible;
• Offer bonuses: if the kid wears glasses all week, then on the weekend you will go to an amusement park, a movie theater, or any place he likes. 

Thus, a conscious and subconscious desire to wear glasses will develop.

Source: freepik

Choose frames only with your child. Even if you have a prescription and know what glasses your child needs, it's not you who should wear them, it's him, so his opinion should be a priority when choosing. 

However, frame size and fit are very important, so it’s a good idea to offer your child at least 5–6 options that are suitable for them in size and fit. Let them choose from this arsenal on their own.

Pay attention to the material. Children's frames are most often made of silicone, plastic or metal. Be sure to pay attention to the hypoallergenicity of the material:

• The most popular children's frames are made of plastic. They are bright, hypoallergenic, and extremely comfortable to wear. 
• silicone is chosen for the smallest patients;
• Metal frames are the strongest. They are almost invisible on the face. Plus, you can adjust the fit with a clip on the bridge of the nose. 

Source: freepik

Basic requirements for glasses. Most often, an oval or round shape is chosen for children, as it is as comfortable to wear and use as possible. 

The main thing is to pay attention to the correct fit of the glasses:

• The frame should sit flat. Its upper border should be opposite the eyebrows or slightly lower. The lower border should not touch the cheek. The child’s eye should be centered in the eyepiece lens;
• Glasses should not slide off your nose, so make sure the earring is the right length and securely fixed to the earlobe; 
• You should not choose a narrow frame, because the child will look over the glasses.

So, the main requirements for the frame are its hypoallergenicity, safety (no sharp fasteners or burrs!), durability, because children are very mobile, comfort and style. The most important thing in choosing a frame is that the child should like its appearance.

Let glasses become a healthy and fashionable accessory for your child, allowing them to live life to the fullest!

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