Getting a young child to keep their glasses on
For toddlers and preschoolers, new glasses can feel strange at first. The world looks different and there’s something on their face. Expect some resistance, and expect it to pass.
Start small
Begin with short periods during something your child enjoys, like a favourite show, a picture book or a trip to the park, and build up from there. Taking them off before your child gets frustrated is better than a battle.
Make it routine
Glasses go on with getting dressed in the morning, the same way shoes go on before going outside. When it’s simply part of the day, there’s less to argue about.
Check the fit first
If a child keeps pulling them off, it is worth going back to the optician. Glasses that pinch behind the ears or slide down the nose are a very common reason for refusing them, and a quick adjustment often solves it.
Role models help
Point out family members, friends, characters or favourite toys with glasses. Some families put a pair of “glasses” on a teddy bear. Praise for wearing them works much better than nagging when they don’t.
Give it a few weeks
Most children settle in within two or three weeks. Once they realise they can see better, many start asking for their glasses themselves.