"My sunglasses are lost! My sunglasses are broken!" - you might have heard your child cry out. No matter how many pairs of sunglasses you buy or how high-quality they are, without the right care, they can quickly end up scratched, broken, or completely lost. At LilSunnie, we understand that investing in durable, well-made sunglasses for kids is a great start, but teaching them how to properly care for their shades is just as important.

Even the most robust sunglasses designed for children can only withstand so much if they're not handled with care. Kids are constantly on the go, and their sunglasses can easily get tossed aside, left behind, or even sat on by accident. But the good news is, with a little guidance, it’s possible to help them form habits that keep their sunglasses safe, sound, and ready for the next sunny day.

From preventing scratches to making sure they don’t disappear into the abyss of school bags or playgrounds, teaching children the importance of caring for their sunglasses not only helps extend the life of the sunglasses but also instills a sense of responsibility. With some simple tips and routines, you can keep those beloved sunglasses from becoming yet another lost or broken item — and avoid the need for constant replacements. Let's explore some practical and fun ways to help your child learn how to protect and maintain their sunglasses for long-lasting wear!

Teaching Your Kids The Importance Of Sunglass Care

Sunglasses do far more than just add a stylish touch to your child’s look—they are vital for protecting young eyes from harmful UV rays. Children's eyes are particularly vulnerable to sun damage because their lenses allow more UV light to penetrate. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to eye problems later in life, including cataracts and macular degeneration. By teaching kids about the importance of wearing and caring for their sunglasses, you're not only safeguarding their immediate comfort but also their long-term eye health. Just as we teach children to wear hats and apply sunscreen, sunglasses are another important part of sun safety.

Furthermore, when kids take proper care of their sunglasses, they not only prolong the life of the shades, but also minimize the need for frequent replacements. Sunglasses that are stored safely and cleaned properly are less likely to get scratched or damaged. This not only saves money but also ensures that the sunglasses remain effective in blocking harmful rays. By showing kids how proper care can protect both their eyes and their sunglasses, you're helping them establish habits that will benefit them long into adulthood.

Simple Habits to Keep Sunglasses Safe

When it comes to helping kids take care of their sunglasses, consistency and simplicity are key.

1. Proper Handling

One of the simplest yet most important habits you can teach your child is how to properly handle their sunglasses. Sunglasses may look tough, but frames and lenses are often delicate and can easily bend, warp, or snap if not treated with care. The first thing to teach your child is to always use both hands when putting on or taking off their sunglasses. Grabbing them with just one hand might seem quick and convenient, but it often leads to unnecessary pressure on the frames, which can cause them to bend or loosen over time.

When your child holds both arms of the sunglasses at the same time, the pressure is evenly distributed, reducing the likelihood of any accidental damage. Explain to them that using only one hand could twist the frames, eventually causing them to lose their shape or even snap. A great way to help kids remember this is by practicing with them. 

2. Use a Protective Case

One of the best ways to keep sunglasses safe when they're not being worn is to store them in a protective case. Sunglasses cases are like shields for delicate frames and lenses, guarding against scratches, accidental drops, or even being sat on! Many kids don’t think to put their sunglasses in a case when they aren’t wearing them, but it’s a habit that can prevent a lot of unnecessary damage.

To make this habit more appealing to children, it's a good idea to invest in a kid-friendly sunglass case. Bright, colorful cases with fun patterns or characters they love can make storing their sunglasses more exciting. Some cases even come with clips that can be attached to a school bag, making them easy to carry and harder to lose. In addition, remind your child to always place their sunglasses in the case when they’re not being worn.

3. Avoid Scratches

Scratches on the lenses are one of the most common issues with sunglasses, and for kids who are always on the move, it can happen more often than you think. One key habit to teach is never to place sunglasses lens down on a surface. When lenses are placed face-down on tables, counters, or any hard surface, the friction between the lens and the surface can cause scratches that damage the protective coatings and distort vision. 

4. Use a Sunglass Strap to Avoid Loss

A sunglass strap can be a lifesaver, especially for active kids who are constantly taking off and putting on their sunglasses. A strap allows sunglasses to hang around the neck when not being worn, which helps avoid accidental drops, loss, or damage. This is especially handy when your child is running around, playing sports, or engaging in outdoor activities where sunglasses might be easily forgotten or misplaced.

5. Sunglasses Storage

A major cause of lost or damaged sunglasses is simply not having a designated place to keep them when they aren’t in use. If your child doesn’t know where to put their sunglasses, they may just toss them anywhere — and that often leads to accidents like dropping them, misplacing them, or having them crushed by other items.

To prevent this, it's helpful to establish a few designated places where sunglasses should always be kept when not being worn. At home, consider creating a specific spot by the door, on a shelf, or even in their room where the sunglasses should go. When your child is on the go, such as at school, the playground, or in the car, teach them to always keep their sunglasses in their school bag, backpack, or with their other essentials. 

Cleaning Sunglasses Correctly

Teaching kids how to clean their sunglasses properly is an essential part of keeping them in good condition. Scratches, smudges, and dirt can reduce the clarity of the lenses and make wearing them uncomfortable. Fortunately, cleaning sunglasses can be a simple and fun routine for kids.

Start by teaching your child to always usea soft cloth or microfiber towel to clean their sunglasses. These materials are gentle on the lenses and won’t cause scratches. Show them how to gently wipe the lenses, starting from the center and moving outward in a circular motion. Remind them that using their shirt or paper towels to clean sunglasses can leave scratches or streaks, so it’s important to always use the right cloth.

When it comes to cleaning solutions, it’s important to use a gentle, lens-specific cleaner. Household cleaners like window sprays or soaps can damage the lenses’ protective coatings, leaving the sunglasses less effective. Teach your child to use a safe cleaning solution made for sunglasses or eyeglasses. 

Kids’ sunglasses should be cleaned regularly to maintain their clarity and effectiveness. A good rule of thumb is to clean them after a day of heavy use, like a trip to the beach, park, or any activity where they may have picked up sand, dirt, or sweat. During regular use, a quick clean once a week should suffice to keep lenses clear and scratch-free.

Broken Or Damaged Sunglasses

It’s important to understand that using broken or damaged sunglasses can be dangerous. Damaged lenses or frames might not provide the full protection your child’s eyes need, and in some cases, they can actually do more harm than good. Cracked lenses may allow harmful UV rays to pass through, or a bent frame could sit awkwardly on the face, distorting vision and causing discomfort. That’s why it’s essential to encourage your child to inform you at the first sign of damage and to teach them how to recognize when their sunglasses need attention.

1. Teach Kids to Recognize Signs of Damage

Helping kids identify signs of damage in their sunglasses is a great way to make them more responsible for their belongings. Some common signs to teach your child to look out for include:

• Cracked or chipped lenses, because even small cracks or chips on the lense can compromise the effectiveness of the sunglasses, allowing harmful UV rays to reach their eyes.
• Loose or wobbly frames because if the arms of the sunglasses no longer fit snugly or feel loose, the glasses might not sit properly on their face, impacting how well they protect.
• Scratched lenses, although minor scratches might not seem like a big deal, over time they can impair vision and reduce UV protection.
• Bent or misaligned frame which won’t sit evenly on your child’s face. It’s a sign they may have been bent or damaged, affecting both comfort and protection.

2. Repair vs. Replace

When sunglasses break, the first step is determining whether the damage can be easily repaired or if it’s time to replace the pair. There are some minor issues that can be fixed at home or with the help of a local eyewear store. For instance:

• If the arms of the sunglasses are wobbly, they may just need a quick tightening. You can purchase tiny screwdrivers specifically for sunglasses or glasses repair. Teach your child how to tighten these screws gently to avoid stripping them.
• If the lens pops out of the frame but isn’t scratched or damaged, it can often be reinserted without much trouble. A small amount of pressure and care should pop the lens back into place.
• Depending on the material, some bent frames can be straightened out. Plastic frames can often be carefully adjusted, while metal frames might require professional help.

However, it’s important to explain to your child that using broken or damaged sunglasses can be dangerous. If the damage can’t be fixed properly, it’s better to replace the sunglasses to ensure your child’s eyes remain protected.

3. Spare Sunglasses: Be Prepared

One great way to avoid the stress of broken sunglasses is to always have a spare pair handy. Just like having an extra jacket for cold weather, keeping a backup pair of sunglasses is a smart move for those unexpected moments when accidents occur. Explain to your child that having a spare pair ensures they’re never without eye protection, even if their favorite pair breaks.

Sunglasses Care- Building Long-Lasting Habits

Teaching kids to care for their sunglasses is essential not only for ensuring the durability of the sunglasses but also for protecting their eyes. Simple habits like handling sunglasses with both hands, using a protective case, and regularly cleaning the lenses help maintain their effectiveness in shielding against harmful UV rays. By working together, parents and kids can develop consistent routines that keep sunglasses in top shape.

Caring for sunglasses isn’t just about extending their lifespan—it’s a valuable lesson in responsibility. When children learn to look after their belongings, they also understand the importance of protecting their health. These habits promote mindfulness and help foster a lifelong awareness of eye health, ensuring their eyes stay protected and their sunglasses last as long as possible.