So... Your Kid Needs Glasses?

Your kids are a source of abundant joy. However, they can also be the source of more than a few headaches. As much as they rail against the status quo, our children crave stability, routine, and normality. And when anything comes along to disrupt it, they’re likely to respond with negativity. This might be something as huge and disruptive as moving home, or it may be something as insignificant as getting glasses. Insignificant to us, at least. But for our kids, being told they need glasses might seem like their world is coming to an end.

They may worry about how glasses might change their appearance, about getting mocked at school, or about discomfort or disorientation while they get used to their new glasses. While this might seem like catastrophizing (especially if you wear glasses yourself) a little empathy goes a long way. Here are some ways you can support your child when it becomes apparent that they need glasses.

Spot the signs early on

Waiting for your kids’ next eye exam could mean placing more strain on their eyes which may lead to headaches, fatigue, and general discomfort. If they have an issue in one of their eyes, the other may work overtime to compensate and if left unattended this may need to result in them wearing an eye patch. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the signs that your child might need glasses and intervene early on with a trip to your local optician. If nothing else, they’ll be able to allay your fears and give your child’s eyesight a clean bill of health.

Get to know their needs

If your child needs glasses, talk to your optician, and get to know the reasons behind their need for corrective lenses. This might be astigmatism or the result of excessive screen time. The better you know the reasons behind your child’s sight impairment, the better equipped you are to mitigate it.

Put their worries to rest

Your child may worry that they’ll get called names or bullied at school if they wear glasses. They may worry that they won’t look the same to their friends. By all means, keep their expectations realistic, but do what you can to allay their fears. Yes, their friends may notice a difference. Yes, they may comment on it. But within a day they’ll accept the change and move on.

Show them that glasses can be fun

Glasses can be a great opportunity for your child to develop their own personal sense of style. There are so many great kids glasses on the market that your child is bound to find something that is fun, suits their emerging tastes, and looks great on them. Show them that shopping for glasses can be fun.

Stay positive

Finally, as in every aspect of parenting, it’s essential to be positive. Even if your little one is anticipating doom and gloom from the moment they put their glasses on. Tell them how stylish, pretty or handsome they look. Guide them through this slight hiccup in the normal fabric of their lives and they’ll be loving life with their glasses before you know it!