It’s a parent’s job to do what’s best for their children, but we don’t always have all the answers. If your little one has recently found out that they need glasses, you might be wondering how you can help them get used to this new part of life. Change is difficult for everyone, especially children, so this blog has lots of tips to make this transition as easy as possible. Whether you wear glasses yourself or this is the first time you’ll be buying a pair, you’ll feel a lot more confident after reading on.
Glasses and sunglasses
Almost every adult and child owns a pair of sunglasses, but adding prescription glasses into the mix can change things. If your child will struggle to go about their daily life without their glasses, it’s a good idea to start the process of finding the right prescription sunglasses for them. While sunglasses can be placed over regular prescription glasses in a pinch, this isn’t a long-term solution and will lessen the efficacy of both lenses. However, if your child will be primarily using their glasses for reading at school or indoors, prescription sunglasses may not be necessary.
Allow for an adjustment period
No parent likes to see their child uncomfortable, but it can take a while for kids to adjust to wearing glasses. If your child is complaining that their vision is still blurred or that they’re getting headaches, this is normal when they first get their new lenses. Avoid rushing off to the opticians at the first sign of trouble and give them time to adjust. However, if discomfort continues over a long period of time, it’s worth making sure their prescription is correct.
Don’t forget their emotional needs
Children aren’t like adults in that they may find it hard to understand why they need glasses on an emotional level. The media or teasing from other children might make them reluctant to wear their specs, as they’ll feel somehow lesser than their non-glasses-wearing counterparts. Do your best to make sure your child is supported and feels confident in their new eyewear. Tell them that glasses are simply to help them see better and nothing more. If your child does experience excessive teasing then make sure you reach out to teachers or other parents.
Teach glasses care
Children are notorious for breaking and losing their glasses, so spend some time teaching your children how to take good care of their specs. Buy them a protective case with a fun design as well as a special cloth that can be used to clean the lenses. Encourage your children to keep their glasses on rather than taking them on and off if these were the instructions from their optician. Depending on the age of your child, you may even be able to look into contact lenses for them. This can be useful if your child is very active or loves to swim, as glasses can really get in the way of these activities.
