Hiding Behind The Mask: How to Help Kids Feel Comfortable Showing Their Face

Do you have a child who is reluctant to take off their mask? They may be experiencing anxiety about being judged for their looks. Or perhaps they have gotten comfortable with wearing a face shield over the past two years. Many kids are hiding behind their masks and it can be a very difficult thing for kids to overcome. In this article, let's discuss some ways that you can help your child feel more comfortable in their own skin. Also, let's explore the causes of this anxiety around appearance, and I will offer some helpful tips for reducing these feelings.

What If my child thinks people will make fun of how they Look?

One of the reasons kids may continue to wear masks even when they are no longer concerned about the pandemic is because they are afraid of being judged. This anxiety can come from comments made by friends and family about things like freckles, teeth, skin imperfections, or nose shape. For example, if your child got braces recently and their sister has joked about how her teeth look, your child wonders if all the kids will tease them when they see the braces. They have an easy fix though; Just keep wearing the face mask! You see, these seemingly harmless comments they hear about their looks can tap into insecurities and cause kids to feel self-conscious and anxious.

It is important to allow your child to be open about these concerns without judgment. Do you want to find out if your child is wearing a face mask often because they have fear of being judged? Bring it up in casual conversation and see how they react. You may say, "I wonder if you think about whether you will be judged about how you look when your mask is off." Then wait and listen to them. Ask, "what else" when they start sharing with you so they can get their worries out of their head. After that, you might be able to brainstorm with your child about how they can move past this fear.

Say, "I understand how you feel. I've felt the same way"

There are many things that you can do to help reduce your child's anxiety around appearances and help them feel comfortable with or without a face mask on. One of the easiest ways is to share with them a time that you have felt the same way they are. This will help them feel less lonely when they have feelings of insecurity. Then you can move into modeling a positive self-image for your child. In doing this you show them that you accept and love the way YOUR face looks. When they realize that you both are in this together, mask or no mask, they will learn how to have inner confidence.

We all have our insecurities. We all look in the mirror and see imperfections. As adults, we know wearing a face mask is not the answer. But when your child sees this as the best option, it is important to talk to them about healthy ways to accept and love all of who we are, and that includes the parts that we think are a problem. Catch yourself if you begin to bash yourself and correct yourself out loud in front of your child. They will learn by your example that each person is unique and that real confidence comes when we accept and love the person we are.

More self-esteem = more self confidence

Another thing that you can do is help your child build self-esteem. This will help them feel more confident in themselves and less likely to hide behind a mask. One way to do this is by praising your child for their accomplishments, big and small. When they express that they are nervous about being around others without a mask, don’t tell them that their feelings are wrong. Rather let them share and then let them know you hear them. Then gently bring them to a place of comfort by bringing up all the things you notice that make them amazing. Both how they look and their personality is something to be celebrated. They will grow in confidence as they see themself through your eyes. No matter how you choose to do it, make sure that your child knows that they are special and loved just the way they are.

What to do when they like the face mask now

When the pandemic hit, many kids HAD to start wearing a face mask. This became their new normal over time, and it can be difficult for them to get used to not having their face covered. In order to have enriching social interaction, it's important that kids begin to feel comfortable with showing their face in public even though they got used to it.

One tip that can help kids feel more comfortable without a face mask is to let them socialize with other kids who are also not wearing a face mask. This can help them feel normal and allow them to express themselves more freely. Additionally, it's important to encourage kids to smile and laugh, even if they are wearing a face mask. Smiling and laughing is contagious, so this can help kids feel more comfortable and happy.

Above all else, listen listen listen!

Now is the time for us to listen to our kids with an open mind and an open heart. Find out what the real reasons are for leaving on their mask. Don't assume you know the problem. Deep down they know all the reasons and by asking open-ended questions and quietly listening you will get to the bottom of why they are more comfortable with a mask than without. It will take time for them to move forward so practice patents as well! You can be sure that they will feel supported when you listen to them and this will lead to them moving through this challenge quicker.

Remember, anxiety around appearances is normal. Like many behaviors, you may notice it on a larger scale due to the global pandemic and all the changes we have faced. But with a little bit of love and understanding, we can help our kids feel more comfortable in their own skin. Thank you for reading!

Is your child experiencing a heightened fear of germs? Click here to read my blog about how to help your child with that.

Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends and family. If you want more help for getting through hard times you can get access to a powerful parent toolkit you can access for free right here. You can also listen to the parenting podcast: Parenting With The Focused Mindset.