If an eye doctor has determined that your young child needs glasses, you’re relieved that the corrective lenses will help their vision. However, you may also be concerned that they won’t want to wear them. Luckily, when their parents follow a few easy tips, younger kids can take pride in wearing their glasses. Here’s what you should keep in mind.

How to Help Children Want to Wear Their Glasses

1. Make It a Family Affair

Encourage everyone in the family to wear eyeglasses for a little while—whether they’re prescribed or not. If your little one sees Mom, Dad, and their siblings with their individual pairs on, they may not want to be left out.

You can even make a fun pair for their favorite stuffed animal to wear. Even better, point out that some of their favorite fictional characters need glasses to help them see better, such as Arthur and some Sesame Street characters.  

2. Let Them Select Frames

If children are allowed to choose their own eyeglass frames, they’ll probably be much more excited to wear them. The good news is there’s a wide range of fun and unique frames to choose from. After selecting their preferred style, they can brag to the eye doctor, family members, friends, and teachers about picking them out all on their own. 

3. Offer Lots of Praise

Celebrate moments when you see your child wearing their eyeglasses. It can be as simple and heartwarming as a hug and kiss. Also, be sure to tell them once in a while how good they look in them.

If you want to take it even further, make a weekly chart that shows all the times your little one put their glasses on without being told. Place a sticker on the appropriate day. At the end of the week, reward your child with a small treat.

4. Enlist the Eye Doctor’s Help

Ask the eye doctor for suggestions, as they’re familiar with how challenging it can be to get a young child to wear their eyeglasses. Optometrists will also ensure the pair is comfortable and doesn’t slip, giving your child fewer excuses to not keep them on.

5. Establish a Routine

Have your child incorporate wearing their eyeglasses as part of their daily routine. Place them on a nightstand so that it’s the first item they reach for in the morning. Along with brushing their teeth, putting on clothes, and having breakfast, putting on their glasses should be high on the morning to-do list. 

With a bit of encouragement and creativity, you can get your little one to regularly wear their glasses. The office of Daniel J. Kroger OD in West Chester, OH, has extensive experience working with the youngest patients. His office has served the area for more than 25 years with affordable and effective vision solutions, excellent service and communication, and the newest technology in progressive multifocal lenses and lens tints. If your child is having vision problems, call (513) 777-3936 to schedule an appointment. Visit the eye doctor’s website for the full lineup of services.