AIBU to think a 6 year old is too young to be forced to where a mask?

[Meadow1203]

This is now the law [in France] edited by MNHQ for clarity. I think this could be very frightening for a small child.

Keep inmind if you remove her from school she will be deregistered.

@flaviaritt how many types and sizes of masks did you try on dc?

HazeyJaneII

I agree. That is a sensible exemption, if we agree that it means a distressed child cannot be forced to wear one.

@flaviaritt generally no. But that doesnt apply to all children.

SchrodingersImmigrant

None at all. She’s 4 and there is no requirement for her to wear one.

Make the mask fun. Children quote happily wear masks if you make it fun and explain in a child friendly way you are the only person who thinks you have to force children to wear them.

@flaviaritt

silverbubbles

Children are safe from coronavirus. It doesn’t induce serious illness in small children.

That is just not true. It is rare for coronavirus to induce serious illness in small children, so they are safer...but not 100% safe.

How am I meant to enforce that as a parent with a child who only has very limited reasoning and comprehension powers?

Like everything else kids don't want to do - car seats, holding your hand when you ask them to, not running in dangerous places, wearing shoes outdoors and so on. If they can't then they need to leave the place where it's mandatory. The current thread is about schools, so I would assume teachers find a way.

Porcupineinwaiting

Sorry, which comment was that an answer to?

It is rare for coronavirus to induce serious illness in small children, so they are safer...but not 100% safe.

Nor are they 100% safe from measles or mumps or chicken pox. Those illnesses present a far greater risk to them. We accept that small level of risk because (well, most of us) know it is completely disproportionate to panic about it.

@HazeyJaneII.

I agree. I think most young children under the age of 5 would come into that exemption, so I think you're right on that point. 6 is more borderline, but I'd be concerned about the pulling down, constant touching etc.

Parents will know their children and whether they're capable of mask-wearing safely. I'm bemused at children younger than 4 wearing masks, though - I don't know any who would be capable of doing it properly and hygienically. Where are these magic 3 year olds who can put their masks on and remove them properly and who don't touch constantly touch their faces?

@flaviaritt does your child have special needs? Because it's weird you would know she would never tolerate wearing a mask without her ever trying one. I am sure there are kids who just couldn't manage it but it is strange how often belong to people who are fundamentally opposed to, and slightly hysterical about, mask wearing in children.

@flaviaritt

SchrodingersImmigrant

None at all. She’s 4 and there is no requirement for her to wear one.

Wait. So all this aggro is over an imaginary upset?

People, fgs🙄
Anyway, for anyone who needs it. Try different sizes and styles. I found that for me the most comfortable is big folded cotton. It really allows well for breathing. Everyone's face suits something else and finding right one does make it all more bearable. Children are no different in this.

My friend’s granddaughter is 5 and refuses to go out without a mask, she has quite a collection. Her argument is that only babies don’t wear masks (she means in age before anyone takes that the wrong way).

Porcupineinwaiting

I don’t think that’s an appropriate question. And I don’t believe I’m hysterical, I believe the masking little kids brigade is hysterical. I adhere to all social distancing laws. I just oppose the idea of compulsory mask wearing in 4 year olds. Hardly on the edge, is it?

@GoatCheeseTart.

How am I meant to enforce that as a parent with a child who only has very limited reasoning and comprehension powers?

Like everything else kids don't want to do - car seats, holding your hand when you ask them to, not running in dangerous places, wearing shoes outdoors and so on. If they can't then they need to leave the place where it's mandatory. The current thread is about schools, so I would assume teachers find a way.

I'm sorry, could you be more specific.

• I enforce car seats through brute force if I have to and a clever chest strap that keeps DS from wriggling out.
• I enforce holding hands by strapping in the pushchair in the case of disobedience.
• Likewise, I enforce not running in dangerous places through physical restraint if I'm not being listened to.

I'm sorry if I'm being stupid, but I'm not sure which of those strategies is going to work for getting my very young child to wear a mask for long periods of time?

If they can't then they need to leave the place where it's mandatory.

What if it's something like a doctor's appointment or somewhere that they actually have to be so we can't just leave?

SchrodingersImmigrant

I was responding on AIBU. Others have engaged me further.

My friend’s granddaughter is 5 and refuses to go out without a mask
That's quite disturbing.

So you have not actually tried any masks, but are already convinced your DD would be screaming and sobbing and refusing?

Whilst law here is 11 some hospital trusts are saying from 3 they need to wear a mask.

@flaviaritt

Zilla1

They are supposed to limit the breathing. And they do. I’ve just worn one for half an hour and breathing is more difficult.

They are not supposed to limit breathing. They are supposed to trap particles of saliva and mucus expelled by the mouth and nose.

For goodness' sake. This scientific and medical information about what the mask does and doesn't do is out there. All you have to do is look.

I can't believe this mask hysteria is still going on. It's the height of uneducated selfishness and harms people who legitimately can't wear a mask.

I started a thread on here back in June/July worried about my 7 year old who was frightened of masks. I'm in Scotland and was really worried about it. Honestly I needn't have got myself so worked up. We ordered some fun patterned ones, had a practice and she came round very quickly.

I still don't particularly enjoy wearing them but you get used to it and I'm not a dickhead so both I, and my 7 year old just get on with it.

No. I've see. Much younger children wear them. Kids are far more resilient than we give them credit for.

KatharinaRosalie

Yes. She’s my daughter. I know her well.

saraclara

I just wore one myself for about 30 minutes. Covering the nose and mouth impedes breathing normally.