How to Make Your Child Wear Glasses or An Eye Patch

Even though the doctor has told you that your kid needs prescription eye wear and you have forked out good money on a vision check and nice frames, your little one refuses to put the glasses on.

What is your next step? Ignore the doctor's advice and hope your child will outgrow the eye problem or, make it a point that your kid sticks to the rules even if it involves a tiring battle every twenty minutes?

Whether it is a toddler, a third grade kid or a teenager, there is a good percentage of children who don't want glasses, and I cannot blame them. Glasses have been a cumbersome addition on my nose since I was six years old and if there was something I wished my child wouldn't inherit from me was the need for glasses. Unfortunately things didn't go the way I wished and my son not only needs glasses but to make things more complicated, my toddler perceived my latent discomfort, and absolutely resisted his glasses the first weeks he had to wear them .... yet here we are... a couple of months later, my son not only puts his glasses on by himself, but actively asks to wear them - Here are some tips that have helped us make the transition.

1. Overcome shock - wearing glasses is not the end of the world

All parents see their babies as perfect beings and wish they are the best they can be. It took me a couple of weeks to stop worrying that my boy would become a social outcast, and the turning point came when I finally decided to stick to my guns and insist that my child wear his specs, because I was so surprised by the positive feedback my child received that I no longer felt uncomfortable. In addition the novelty also pleased his classmates and his friends' positive remarks acted as a further incentive that made things easier.

2. Choose the right frame

A toddler, an older kid or a teenager have different needs. While as a parent you might opt for a budget friendly frame or a trendy mount that looks cute on your toddler, your biggest priority should be the child's comfort and safety. Always choose polycarbonate lenses and kid safe frames especially for toddlers and younger kids.

When choosing a frame make sure that you select glasses that feel right on the child's face.

- Check that the glasses stay put when your child moves his head (if the glasses wobble or fall off, it means they are too big).
- See that the temple is not so tight that is leaving a mark on the side of the child's head ( this means that the frame is too small).
- Never buy a large frame thinking that the child will grow into it, as large frames are uncomfortable and easier to lose, which is obviously counterproductive.

For younger children there are cable temples that wrap around the child's ears and won't fall off easily. For active kids, there are specially designed sport goggles that come with a strap that goes round the head rather than traditional skull temples.

If you are dealing with an older child or a teenager, make sure that you buy glasses that he or she feels comfortable wearing. As children grow older they become more self conscious, so spending an extra buck on a design that they will feel comfortable wearing is a good idea. Having said that, even if you are dealing with a picky teenager, keep in mind that glasses should last at least a couple of years, so go for a good design and comfort rather than a fashion trend.

More tips about how to buy the right glasses for your child can be found here:

3. Be patient and consistent

No matter how hard your child rebels, eye problems should never be ignored and will not disappear simply by eating blueberries or carrots. Glasses are important to correct eye problems and some conditions can improve drastically if caught in time and remedied adequately. Make sure that your child wears his glasses for the span of time the doctor recommends. If your optometrist insisted that your toddler wears glasses or an eye patch, you have to be strong and patient and consistently put the glasses (or patch) back on the child's face when he takes them off. With all the little discomforts that accompany those who wear glasses, it is important that you teach your child that he has to wear glasses.Bribes like giving stickers if your kid wears his glasses can also be effective.

4. Enroll helpers

One of the best ways to make a child wear glasses is by ask for outside help. I was lucky enough to have a lovely teacher who really helped when my child needed glasses. All she did was make sure that my son kept his glasses on during class and in a week's time, he gradually adjusted.

Relatives,baby sitters and family friends can also help by making sure that your child keeps his or her glasses on if they are babysitting. They can also help by praising your child when they see him wearing glasses and make him feel special in a good way.

5. If there is a problem talk it out

Don't be surprised if an older child suddenly starts breaking his glasses or losing them day in day out. Sometimes children have subtle ways of rebelling against their parents' wishes and adjusting to pressure. If your child is uncomfortable about his glasses he might not tell you but show you he is not happy.

Rather than a pep talk, try taking a circumvent approach and use this opportunity to talk about what is going on in your child's life. Find out why s/he is suddenly feeling uncomfortable (this might be a sign that your child is dealing with a problem at school) and empower your kid to reach the solution to his or her problem.

On a final note - Remember that what appears trivial to an adult means the world to a child. A specs case with the logo of your child's favorite character might cost that extra buck but can make your little one feel like a million dollars. For older children a cool frame or contacts might do the trick, but keep an open mind and try to understand your child's discomfort rather than simply enforcing your views.