by Getting children to wear hats can be a tricky task. Hats provide essential protection from the sun and cold weather, but many children find them uncomfortable or simply don’t want to wear them. If you’re struggling to get your child to put on a hat, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to make it easier.
Show by example
Children always want to seem more grown-up. So they take an example from their parents.
Show your child that adults also wear the thing. Before you go out, put a hat on yourself first, and then on your child.
Praise your child’s hat, say that it is even better. And if his hat would fit on you, you would wear it by all means.
Suggest a few options
A child at any age wants to be independent. Parents can prepare several variants of hats in advance and ask the kid to choose the one that he likes better. At the same time be sure to praise him for his excellent taste.
You can take the child with you to the store and let him choose for himself. Or let them each pick one option and then discuss the choice.
Explain why you liked a particular thing, and then let the kid tell you what he liked about the chosen hat. Just do not try to change the child’s mind. Let him have the last word.
Pull until the last moment
Pull with putting on a hat to the last moment. You can do it even in the entrance or right on the street.
For this minute the baby will not have time to get cold, but he will quickly switch his attention to other subjects or friends.
And the hated hat will stop bothering him.
Decorate the hat
Another trick is to offer your baby to decorate the hat. Pick patches or stickers with his favorite characters from cartoons, fairy tales or games. Let the child choose which ornaments and where to put them, and you help him realize it.
Emphasize that no one else will have such a thing. Such a hat can turn from a hated one to a favorite one.
As an option, you can buy a hat with a picture of your favorite characters, if such are on sale.
Turn gatherings into a game
Invite your child to dress up in the form of a game. Come up with an image and alternative names for items of clothing. For example, pants with suspenders are a pilot’s jumpsuit, mittens are gloves to hold the steering wheel, and a hat is an aviation helmet. Each time you can come up with a new look.
Some more advice
Getting children to wear headgear, such as helmets or hats, can be a challenge, but it is important for their safety and health. Here are some tips to encourage children to wear headgear:
- Lead by example: Wear headgear yourself, and make it a habit to always wear it when appropriate. Children are more likely to follow suit if they see adults around them doing the same.
- Start early: Encourage children to wear headgear from a young age. When they are infants or toddlers, make sure they wear hats to protect them from the sun or cold weather.
- Explain why it’s important: Talk to children about the benefits of wearing headgear, such as protection from injury or illness. Explain to them that helmets can prevent serious head injuries in case of a fall or accident, and hats can protect them from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Involve them in the decision-making: Let children choose their own headgear, whether it’s a helmet with their favorite cartoon character or a stylish hat that they like. When they feel like they have a say in the matter, they are more likely to wear it.
- Make it fun: Decorate helmets with stickers, or let children choose fun colors and designs for their headgear. Make it a game to see who can wear their headgear the longest or who can come up with the most creative design.
- Set rules and consequences: Make wearing headgear a non-negotiable rule, and enforce consequences if it’s not followed. For example, if a child refuses to wear a helmet while riding a bike, they are not allowed to ride their bike.
Remember, consistency is key. Make it a habit for children to wear headgear whenever it’s appropriate, and eventually, it will become second nature to them.
These simple tricks will help avoid tears and tantrums before the walk. Try to find an approach to the baby, and you’ll be surprised how easily you can get along without scandals.
