Your tween needs glasses, but she refuses to wear them. DR RICHARD C. WOOLFSON shows you how to overcome her resistance.
Your tween needs glasses, but she refuses to wear them. DR RICHARD C. WOOLFSON shows you how to overcome her resistance.
During a recent routine eye test, it was discovered that your seven-year-old has myopia – she is short-sighted and has trouble seeing objects that are far away.
This can easily be corrected with spectacles, but she refuses to wear them. She says that her classmates will make fun of her. Yet you know that if she doesn’t wear them, she won’t be able to see properly, which will have an adverse effect on her learning.
Take her concerns seriously. Physical appearance and peer group acceptance are very important, too.
So, having to wear glasses is a double blow for her self-esteem, particularly if she is the only one doing so in her group. Resist any temptation to trivialise your child’s complaint – as far as she is concerned, it is a huge problem.
If you don’t tackle this issue now, you might find that she “accidentally” loses her glasses within a couple of days. Let her know that you are concerned she feels this way and that you will help her develop a more positive attitude.
Boost her confidence
Tell her how lovely she looks wearing spectacles.
She’ll shrug her shoulders in annoyance and insist nobody thinks that except you, but she’ll like to hear your positive comment anyway.
You should also point out that lots of successful actors, musicians and television personalities wear specs – and mention to her that several of her classmates will soon probably find that they need them as well. She won’t always be the only one wearing them, and even if she is, they add to her appearance.
Fortunately, there is a huge range of frames specifically designed for children so – while keeping within your budget – let your child choose a pair that she considers contemporary and stylish.
The more involved she is in the selection process, the more she’ll want to wear them. That way, she’ll regard them as a fashion accessory, not as something that detracts from her appearance.
Emphasise that wearing the right specs will improve her performance in school. Explain what myopia is, what it means for her personally, and demonstrate how the glasses will help her see more clearly in class and elsewhere.
At this age, she’s old enough to understand that spectacles make life easier and better for her. Show her how to keep them clean and bright, and buy her an attractive case to keep them in.
Involve the teacher
If your young one continues to complain, despite all your support and encouragement, have a word with her teacher. She may be unaware that some of the others are bullying your child and she won’t be happy about that going on in her class.
A quiet word from the teacher to some of the key offenders is likely to have an immediate positive effect, and the ridiculing will diminish, if not stop altogether.
As time goes on, your child will gradually adjust to wearing spectacles each day. The silly negative comments from her peers will reduce, and she’ll feel more comfortable with her glasses.
When she is a bit older, a bit more mature, and a bit more responsible, you could consider contact lenses for her. Some children prefer wearing these to spectacles, but they require more care, concentration and consideration.
Your optician will be able to advise you and your kid about the practicalities of contact lenses. They don’t suit everybody’s lifestyle, and if offered the choice, she might decide to stick with glasses.
