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Original poster

Do you make your child under 11 wear a mask?

114 replies

PickACoolUserName · 13/08/2020 09:06

Or under 5 if you live in Scotland.

We haven't taken the kids anywhere where masks would be required so I haven't really given it much consideration but I've noticed when out grocery shopping that quite a few young children seem to be wearing them.

My understanding is that it's not compulsory for children under 11 (5 in Scotland) so I was curious about how many people are getting their young children to wear them. Also what are your reasons for your choice, and how does your child feel about them?

DS who is 8 has sensory issues and I'm dreading the day when / if he has to wear one. I think DD who is 4 would be fine though.

OP posts:
LongBlobson · 13/08/2020 09:10

Not yet, but we've not taken 9yo in many places that one would be needed yet. I will definitely get some kid sized ones at some point, and give him the choice to start with so he can get used to the idea. I think he'd be ok in shops and stuff but wouldn't cope with it for longer periods e.g. in school.

Popjam · 13/08/2020 09:12

I don't make them, they chose to wear them. No issues.

vinoandbrie · 13/08/2020 09:12

No. Absolutely not.

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Clothing Families
timeforawine · 13/08/2020 09:13

I had mask made for my 4 year old that i'm going to try her with, but i won't force it.

slipperywhensparticus · 13/08/2020 09:13

He wears it but he has a wheezy chest and has respiratory problems anyway so it's for the best

Rover83 · 13/08/2020 09:14

Mine like to wear them in the supermarket as everyone else is, the also like to wear them on the bus. I certainly dont make them but I offer it to them as a choice. They are 3 and 4

OcarinaBear · 13/08/2020 09:14

I don't make my 10 yr old, I made it clear she doesn't need to but she chooses to because she is tall for her age and doesn't want people to think she is breaking the law.

runbummyrun · 13/08/2020 09:14

No way! And if they're made compulsory in schools I'll be taking DC out and using private tutor.

wendz86 · 13/08/2020 09:16

No. They have worn them for things like rides where it has been required.

highlandshortbread · 13/08/2020 09:16

6 year old wears a mask and enjoys doing so Smile

So we let him.

Pascha · 13/08/2020 09:17

My 9 and 7yr olds were happy enough to wear them in the barber. They don't mind at all, it's still a novelty. If they have to wear them for prolonged periods I'm not sure they'd be so keen.

justinhawkinsnavalfluff · 13/08/2020 09:18

Yes definitely why shouldn't children be taught to try and help in the fight against covid too. Both my children have respiratory issues and neither have complained the occasional time they have had to wear them.

Nquartz · 13/08/2020 09:18

DD (8) has worn hers, we went to a theme park where everyone over 3 (unless medically exempt) had to wear one in the queue for rides, on them & when exiting.

She's worn it in shops too but when she gets warm she pulls it down a bit so her nose is out 🤦🏻‍♀️

Nquartz · 13/08/2020 09:19

And we don't 'make' her wear it in shops, she chooses to

cosmo30 · 13/08/2020 09:19

5 year old wants to wear one, he quite likes it atm! I'm sure the novelty will wear off soon though

FraterculaArctica · 13/08/2020 09:20

Yes, I put them on 6 and 3 year olds when we go into shops. Because I think it's the right thing to do - the evidence isn't strong enough that kids don't spread the virus.

IamTomHanks · 13/08/2020 09:20

I live in the UAE and its mandatory for children over the age of 3.

My kids don't mind them, even when we have to wear them outside in 40+ degree weather with humidity of 100%. My DD who has sensory issues forgets she's wearing hers half the time and doesn't even take it off when we get home.

We got them ones with sharks teeth and unicorns and stuff.

CrackersDontMatter · 13/08/2020 09:21

I bought my 6 year old one because he asked. His siblings all wear them and he wanted to.

RinderTinderNotRinderGrinder · 13/08/2020 09:21

Make them?
No.

Get dressed up as ninjas to go do stuff?
Hell yes!

ChaBishkoot · 13/08/2020 09:21

Where we live our kids have been masked for nearly 3 months now. I have a nearly 9 year old and a 3 year old. My 9 year old will go to school masked in a few weeks’ time. They will be given mask free time in school but all his classmates will be masked, as will he.

The 3 year old went to summer camp masked (but took it off there as per their rules). They have been masked outdoors for months including at the park. It has caused no issues at all.
My 3 year old btw has respiratory issues (he was on a ventilator at one point) and is on long term steroids. It is entirely safe for him to wear a mask (and much more dangerous for him to get COVID).

Mrsfrumble · 13/08/2020 09:22

Depends where we are. On public transport and in shops I strongly encourage them, especially on the tube. We went to the Tate at the weekend and were there for a few hours, so I let them go without. They’re 7 and 9, and have been generally compliant, but (like most children) they’re less so when they’re tired and too hot.

sofato5miles · 13/08/2020 09:23

My 8 & 9 year old wear them, no problems. And 9 year old is asthmatic

Rowanberries · 13/08/2020 09:23

Yes- ds2 is 9 and has sensory issues but we practiced and now he wears it quite happily. Letting him pick the pattern helped!

He wears it because 1) we have vulnerable family members so want to minimise exposure 2) we figure every little thing we can do that breaks the infection cycle will help prevent other people catching it.

ChaBishkoot · 13/08/2020 09:23

And the novelty or whatever hasn’t worn off. It’s what they have to do, so they do it. It helps that everyone around them is masked outdoors all the time as well. (Not just in shops).

brightbluegentian · 13/08/2020 09:24

Mine are 4-6 and choose to wear them. The younger one has some ASD traits and when he sees the signs he needs to follow the rules so he asks to wear one. DC1 is happy to join the rest of the family. It makes them feel more comfortable doing what the adults are doing. They know they can take them off at any time.

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