It can be a relief to find that your child’s coordination problems or issues in school are easily addressed by correcting their vision. You are aware of all the benefits of wearing eyeglasses, but your child may be resistant or unhappy about the change. The professional staff at The Whitefish Eye Center, in Whitefish, MT, offers the following tips to help your child adjust to their new glasses.

3 Ways to Help Your Child Adjust to Glasses

1. Make the Experience Fun

Your child will take their cues on how to respond to their new glasses from you. If you are excited for them, they can begin to see the experience as positive. Let them help pick out their frames, choosing a time for the visit when your child is not over-tired or rushed. Make sure the frames fit and are durable. Engage in the process and compliment your child on the final choice.

2. Normalize Wearing Glasses

Help your child notice that many others in their life wear glasses, such as family members, teachers, or their favorite pop star. Point out that eyeglasses are just a part of normal life. Teach them how to respond to teasing at school or how to react positively when others point out their new accessory. Explain how the glasses will help them with their daily activities. 

3. Create a Routine

Your child will have to adjust to wearing their glasses, which includes remembering to wear them. Make cleaning and putting them on a part of their morning routine. When your child does this on their own, reward them with praise. Understand that they may have mixed feelings and will be resistant at first—and try not to nag them. Once your child experiences being able to see and function better in the activities they enjoy, they will choose to wear their eyeglasses. Staying positive, pointing out benefits, and being patient as your child adjusts will make the transition easier.

Wearing eyeglasses will be a potentially challenging change for your child, but the benefits will outweigh any difficulty over time. The Whitefish Eye Center, serving Montana for over 40 years, is available for the vision care needs of both your child and your entire family. Call (406) 862-2020 to schedule an appointment or go to their website to meet the staff and learn more about their services.