PHOENIX — As mayors across the Valley and state implement policies requiring everyone, some including kids, to wear face coverings in public, a local doctor has some tips on how to make your child more comfortable with the change.
Dr. Kate Purvis specializes in pediatrics at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine.
Purvis says the first thing parents should do is have an age-appropriate conversation with their child to help them understand why they need to wear one.
"With our little ones you can talk about things like good germs and bad germs and we're wearing a mask to keep the bad germs out," Dr. Purvis said. "With a little bit older or more mature children, you can get into more specifics of COVID-19."
She said the best face covering for your child to wear is one that they will keep on. Ones that tie around your head can be easier to adjust to size and ones that have a wire at the nose can be easier to stay on.
"I do recommend you get together as a family, everyone wash your hands first, and practice putting that mask on," Dr. Purvis said.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also has some suggestions for getting your child comfortable with wearing a face covering. You can find them here.
