Does anyone else have a baby / young toddler and really not want to wear a mask

[roarfeckingroarr]

Because of how it might impact their development?

DS is 13 months and is so close to speaking. I talk to him all the time to help his development. I feel uncomfortable about him not being able to see facial expressions, see me speak, hear words clearly etc while we're out and about (a lot of the day).

Anyone else feel this way?

@SpikeDearheart I’ve noticed a similar effect at DD’s preschool groups/classes, but interestingly more with the adults’ behaviour than the children’s. Masks mandated = parents not participating or chatting, scrolling through their phones, not engaging with the children. Masks off = much more engagement, more animated interaction with children, joining in with the singing etc. Masks are both a physical and a psychological barrier to communication.

I agree that the barrier seems to affect both the adults and children, but I took my DS to the same class every week for months while masks were still mandatory and he clung to me, didn't interact with other children, didn't explore the room etc. He didn't cry or seem scared, just wary and disengaged. As soon as everyone in the class agreed we wouldn't wear masks any more (a while after it became legal) it was like he was suddenly a different child. He came out of his shell, started joining in with the songs/actions, playing with the toys, moving away from me and interacting with other children, it was transformative.

We do another activity where masks are still requested and the difference in his behaviour, engagement and ability/willingness to follow directions is noticeable, even though I'm interacting with him constantly, to the best of my ability.

I've always just pulled my mask down whenever I talk to DS.

@FearBreedsCompliance

If someone relies on you to communicate for them you’re exempt so that could be stretched to fit your circumstances..

Nonit doesn't ,I have a severely autistic non verbal 11 year old who can't speak at all I still wear a mask 🙄

He'll be fine! I live in Asia and we have to wear masks all the time and kids are really so adaptable with it. My daughter was 3 months old at the first lockdown so mask wearing outside is all she's ever known and I don't think it's hindered her speech at all (I guess I'll never know for sure but she's on the upper end of what's expected for her age).

What has hindered her is not being able to interact so much with other children and adults. We were back in the UK for a couple of weeks and in just those two weeks of seeing so many people her social skills really developed. It's made me want to move back for good tbh.

So yeah, my advice would be prioritise getting out and about and socialising even if you have to wear a mask to do it.

Surely under UK law you will rarely be in a mask? I have young children and dont like masks much but realistically the rules are not strict here - he won't be damaged by you wearing masks in shops and on buses.