Getting Kids to Wear Glasses

Most people agree that a child’s success in school is heavily dependent on good vision. For those who need them, wearing glasses is crucial to ensuring they can learn to the best of their ability. But, as many parents experience, getting your child to actually wear their glasses can seem like a tall order. Know you’re not alone—it’s a common struggle. So common, in fact, that we’ve collected these tried and true tips that should make things a bit easier (for the both of you!).

1. Give them ownership – Let kids be a part of picking out their glasses. Doing so gives them an opportunity to express themselves and makes them more likely to wear their glasses. There are tons of great options for kids’ glasses, with plenty of stylish and colorful choices as well as durable and lightweight options for the more active kiddos.

2. Take baby steps – Transitioning to something new is hard for anyone. Kids are no different. Some will get in the swing of things quicker than others. The best thing you can do is start small and ask your child to wear their glasses for 15 minutes a day. Then move up to 30 minutes a day. Keep going for up to a few weeks, and eventually wearing glasses will become the norm and not the exception.

3. Harry Potter. Taylor Swift. Justin Bieber – What do these cultural icons all have in common? They all wear glasses. Find someone your child can relate to who wears glasses. Together, make a collage of photos of them wearing glasses and put it up in your child’s room.

4. Your eye doctor is your partner –  Don’t be afraid to go back to your eye doctor if your child’s glasses aren’t fitting right. They will want to know what is and isn’t working and will be happy to make adjustments to the fit as needed.

5. Talk to a teacher – School can be tricky because many kids will tell their parents they’re wearing their glasses when they really aren’t. Always let the teacher know what’s expected of the child with his or her glasses. Also consider having two pairs of glasses, one for school and one for home. This will ensure that your child has their glasses when and where they need them.