It's a well-established fact that kids can be cruel sometimes. Sadly, there's a bully in nearly every schoolyard, and sometimes classmates tease one another when something changes to ease their own discomfort. If your child discovers they need to start wearing glasses, their first fear may be returning to school with their new eyewear. Try these tips to help ease the transition for your little one.
Ask Open-Ended Questions to Encourage Discussions to Dispel Myths
When your child gets glasses, they may freak out because of the myths they have heard about wearing glasses. Sometimes kids try to scare one another with outrageous stories about what will happen in certain scenarios, so your child may have a totally incorrect perception of what wearing glasses means. Start by asking open-ended questions so you can get to the bottom of their concerns and fears. As you are doing so, you can dispel the myths with facts. Here are some questions to ask for starters:
- Do you know anyone at school who wears glasses?
- What have you heard other kids say about wearing eyeglasses?
- What is causing you to be upset about the glasses right now?
- How do you think the kids at school will react?
- What is one thing that would make this easier for you right now?
- How do your new glasses make you feel?
- Who do you think will be the first person to compliment your glasses?
- Can you help me understand your view of getting glasses better?
- What challenges does wearing glasses create for you?
Once you ask one of these questions, it will likely inspire your child to open up about their thoughts and fears that are related to wearing glasses. As they do, keep asking open-ended questions and dispelling incorrect assumptions as they mention them.
Watch Shows and Movies That Celebrate Kids with Glasses
Children have been wearing glasses to school for many decades, and they've come out of the experience unscathed. However, the fears can seem larger-than-life to a little one. Ease their worries by watching movies and television shows that celebrate kids with glasses.
Heroes like Harry Potter make wearing them seem like a non-issue. Some episodes of classic shows like Little House on the Prairie, Full House, The Brady Bunch, Kids Incorporated and Happy Days all feature a main character getting glasses. Although they may feel upset at first, the characters adjust to happily wearing their glasses. It will help your child see that they can do the same.
Finally, keep in mind that your child's worst fears about their glasses are probably unfounded, but they may encounter some teasing at school. Even if your child isn't outwardly nervous, it doesn't hurt to talk to your child's teacher. After all, they will be concerned about changes in your child's life anyway. Express any fears you may have over the situation, and your teacher may be able to further help your child during the adjustment period.Share