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.

[Suzi888]

My 4 year old demanded her own mask, I think it can be made fun. Children like to be included in things. Six is young if they don’t want to wear one though.

[Sargass0]

a lot of kids wear masks as part of dress up

[dementedpixie]

Its over 5 in Scotland

[helpfulperson]

Scottish children manage fine.

[RonObvious]

I think as an abstract idea, then YABU. Most kids will be fine - my two have sensory issues, but don't seem to have a problem with masks. Plus my youngest (6) looks awesome in his - like a little ninja. However, trying to get a 6 year old to wear a mask that really didn't want to would be a real ballache. Plus, at that age, it's hard for them to put into words why they don't want to do something, so there could be communication difficulties there. But projecting their reaction before they actually try them seems a bit futile.

[araiwa]

Strange.

I've seen the whole kindergarten wearing them and they're 3-6 years old

So no, I would guess most 6 year olds would easily cope.

[ThisMustBeMyDream]

My 5 and 7 year old are opposites. 5 year old will wear his in shops (he asks to). 7 year old (autism and adhd but no sensory needs) refuses. Having watched my 5 year old in his, it is completely pointless for young children to wear them. He can't keep his hands off it. Plays about with it, moans he wants to take it off (after insisting on wearing it). If there was covid on it, he would definitely be getting it. 5 year olds are not designed to not touch things when they shouldn't...

[funinthesun19]

I think my children would put one on, but would keep faffing about with it. As I bet would lots of kids that age. So I hope people aren’t expecting children as young as 6 to keep to it 100%.

[Invisimamma]

In Scotland over 5s need to wear a face covering (unless other exemption). I've noticed many parents don't seem to enforce it though.

My 6yr old does not mind wearing one, in fact he quite likes it as he has lots of funky designs and he says it keep him warm 😂. I don't see how it's frightening if everyone is doing it. Hopefully it won't be forever.

[Mumofsend]

My nearly 6 year old wouldn't manage wearing one. I largely am avoiding taking her anywhere with masks as she can't deal with it. My 4 year old would be fine.

[Marzipan12]

Please. Many relatives had to wear gas masks during world war 2 under the age of 6, that was frightening. A piece of cloth is not frightening g esp if you get one with a character on it. Entitled springs to mind.

[flaviaritt]

I think it’s disgusting. My child wouldn’t be wearing one and I would remove them from school before forcing them into a mask.

[Ch3m]

Seem to be coping fine in Scotland. Haven't seen any kids without a mask in the shop.

[KatharinaRosalie]

My 4 and 6 wore then without any issues this summer in Spain. They actually liked it and treated them as an accessory or costume. Don't make an issue out of it and they will be fine.

[Marzipan12]

@flaviaritt so you would deny your child an education over wearing a piece of cloth?My son wears one in corridors and all communal areas, he is not in the least bit traumatised in fact he is proud to be helping in the little way he can to stop spread to more vulnerable children and teachers

[Di11y]

My 6yo would wear it but probably fiddle with it.

[flaviaritt]

Marzipan12

I would educate her myself.

[Bitbusyattheminute]

Dd wore one for hours in the summer when we went abroad. Kids appear to have less of a problem with it than adults.

[Shantotto]

Im in Scotland and my 5 year old can barely manage a mask. He had to wear one for a haircut and shoe fitting recently and he kept asking to take it off and almost crying about how he didn’t like it. He wants to go round the charity shops and into a cafe but he hates the masks so much and he’s so disappointed he can’t. Not every kid will be ok with it.

[saraclara]

@Givemeabreak88

It’s very weird how happy people are for their kids to wear masks. I’m just glad we are in England so mine don’t have to wear one as all under 11. I won’t be making it “the norm” for my children.

Who says people are happy about it? I wouldn't be, but I'd make the best of it, help my kid see it as something fun (choose some quirky masks) and get on with it.

[WriteronaMission]

In parts of Ontario it's been mandatory for all school children 4 and up to wear masks. They've had no problem adapting to it. It's only scary if adults make it. Adults have a habit of passing on their fears and anxieties to children.

[Fromthetopmakeitdrop]

@Givemeabreak88 what do you suggest then? Just don't take them anywhere? Wearing a mask is mandatory in Scotland & my 6 year old has been wearing hers since June with no complaints. She understands it is to try and keep everyone else safe. It really is only adults who have such an issue with a bit of fabric over their face. @flaviaritt what exactly is it you find disgusting about it? Just a genuine question as they are not offensive, nor are they dangerous so I don't understand the strong objection? Kids adapt quickly, if you're fine with it so will they be.

[GoldenOmber]

My 6 year old is fine with wearing one.

I hate masks and will be very very glad when none of us need to wear them any more, but needs must and I'm certainly not going to be making a drama out of it to my children. Get one with a character on it they like, help them pick, and you'll probably find it's fine. Certainly my 6yo is a lot less angst-filled over it than many adults...

[WunWun]

I think it's fine, personally.

[Coldilox]

My six year old has a couple of Star Wars ones (his obsession) but he can’t tolerate them for more than 10 minutes or so, he takes them off saying it feels like he can’t breathe. So I’m glad that under 11s don’t have to wear them here