Getting kids, especially young ones and babies, to wear sunglasses can feel like an uphill battle. You can buy the prettiest, most comfortable, and safest sunglasses, but they still might refuse to wear them. It's a common issue many parents face. Despite the clear benefits of protecting their eyes from harmful UV rays, children often resist this crucial accessory.

As a parent, you might find yourself constantly picking up discarded sunglasses from the car seat, the playground, or the back pocket of your child’s jeans. No matter how much you emphasize the importance of wearing them, or how often you try to make it a part of your child’s routine, those little pairs of shades seem to spend more time off than on. This can be particularly frustrating because the stakes are high. Sunglasses are not just a stylish accessory; they are vital for protecting young eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV radiation can cause significant damage to the eyes, contributing to serious conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration later in life. Children’s eyes are more susceptible to UV damage because their lenses are clearer, allowing more UV rays to penetrate deep into the eye.

Moreover, kids spend a considerable amount of time outdoors, whether they’re playing sports, riding bikes, or just enjoying a sunny day at the park. Each moment spent outside without proper eye protection increases their risk of long-term damage. As a parent, understanding these risks only adds to the frustration when your child resists wearing sunglasses. So, how do we get them to wear these incredibly important accessories that would protect their eyes? There are a few strategies that we may try, but first, we need to understand why it is so difficult to create a sunglasses habit for kids. 

My Kid Doesn’t Like Wearing Sunglasses!

It’s a familiar scene: you step outside for an outing, and within 15 minutes, your kid has thrown away their sunglasses. Maybe it's the second, third, or even the fourth pair that’s mysteriously disappeared, and all you get is a blank look when you ask, "Where are your sunglasses?" This scenario is all too common for many parents. Despite our best efforts, getting kids to keep their sunglasses on can feel like an impossible task, and here is why:

First off, they might find them uncomfortable. Young kids are sensitive to anything that feels new or restrictive, and sunglasses can feel strange or annoying on their faces. This discomfort is often enough to make them take the sunglasses off as soon as you put them on.

Another big reason is habit. Kids are creatures of routine. If wearing sunglasses isn’t part of their regular routine, they’re less likely to remember or want to wear them. This even happens with adults too! Your kids may not have formed the habit of grabbing their sunglasses before heading outside.

Then there's the issue of understanding. Kids live very much in the moment and might not get why they need to wear something to prevent problems that could occur far in the future. UV protection isn't something they naturally understand or care about, making it harder to convince them to wear sunglasses.

Peer influence is another factor. If their friends aren’t wearing sunglasses, they might feel self-conscious or think sunglasses aren't "cool." Kids often mimic what their friends do, and if sunglasses aren’t part of the group norm, they might resist wearing them.

Lastly, parental influence is huge. If parents don't wear sunglasses regularly, kids won't see it as something they need to do. Kids learn by watching the adults around them, and if they don't see you wearing sunglasses, they're less likely to think it's important for them.

How To Get Your Kids To Wear Sunglasses

1. Choose A Pair That Fits And Feels Comfortable

The most important thing is to find sunglasses that properly fit your child’s face. They should not be too tight or too loose. The frames should sit comfortably on the nose and ears without pinching or causing pressure marks. Sunglasses that are too tight can be uncomfortable, while those that are too loose might fall off easily, both of which will discourage your child from wearing them. Don’t forget to choose high-quality sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection.

Look for sunglasses made from lightweight materials like plastic or silicon. Flexible frames are also important as they can withstand rough handling and accidental drop. Sunglasses made from durable, impact-resistant materials like polycarbonate will last longer and provide better protection while offering excellent UV protection. Make sure the sunglasses are made from shatterproof materials since kids can be rough with their belongings. 

This is especially important for young children, whose nose bridges are not yet fully developed. Soft nose pads can help sunglasses stay in place and remain comfortable throughout the day.

To prevent the sunglasses from slipping off, pair them withan adjustable strap. Straps can be particularly useful for younger children, ensuring the sunglasses stay on during play and other activities.

Once you’ve chosen a pair, let your child try them on to get used to the feel. No matter how perfect a pair of sunglasses looks, how they feel on your kid’s face is of utmost importance. Make sure they fit well and are comfortable.

2. Make It A Routine

Kids need routine, so getting your kids to wear sunglasses regularly can be easy if you incorporate it into their daily routine. First off, treat sunglasses like any other essential item your child needs before stepping outside, just like their hat or sunscreen. Keep the sunglasses in a handy spot near the door or in the car so they’re easy to grab on the way out. This helps reinforce the idea that sunglasses are a must-have for sun protection.

Next, set up a sunglasses station, or special place in your home for sunglasses. It could be a small basket by the front door or a spot in their room with their other outdoor gear. Having a designated place makes it easier for your child to remember to put them on before heading out.

Turn putting on sunglasses into a fun part of their routine. For younger kids, make a game out of it by pretending to be superheroes or movie stars who always wear their cool shades before going on an adventure. Older kids might enjoy mixing and matching their sunglasses with different outfits to make a fashion statement.

Remember to gently remind your child to wear their sunglasses every time they go outside. Over time, these reminders will help them develop the habit. You could say something like, “Don’t forget your sunglasses, just like we don’t forget sunscreen!” Consistent reminders will reinforce the importance of wearing sunglasses, making it a natural part of their routine.

3. Make It Fun!

One of the best ways to get kids excited about wearing sunglasses is to make the process fun and engaging. Start bychoosing fun-shaped sunglasses for little kids and cool, trendy shapes for older ones. Also, letting thempick out their own sunglasses can be a game-changer. When kids feel like they have a say in the matter, they're more likely to wear the sunglasses they’ve chosen themselves. Head to the store together or browse online and let them pick out a pair they love. The excitement of having their own special sunglasses can make a big difference.

Another great idea is to involve their favorite plushie or toy.Get a similar pair of sunglasses for their favorite stuffed animal or doll. When kids see their beloved toys wearing sunglasses, they’ll be more inclined to wear theirs too. It turns the whole process into a playful activity rather than a chore.

Matching sunglasses with parents is also a fantastic way to encourage kids to wear theirs. Kids love to imitate their parents, and having matching sunglasses can make them feel special and grown-up. It’s a great way to bond and show that wearing sunglasses is something everyone in the family does.

You can alsocreate a game or adventure around wearing sunglasses. Pretend to be superheroes or secret agents who need to wear their cool shades to protect their eyes while on missions. For older kids, emphasize the fashion aspect by letting them mix and match their sunglasses with different outfits. Turn it into a mini fashion show where they can show off their style.

4. Photos And Memories

We call this emotional strategy. Making sunglasses a part of your child’s cherished memories can help reinforce the habit of wearing them. Take fun photos of your kids wearing their sunglasses during various activities. Whether they’re at the beach, playing in the park, riding their bikes, or simply enjoying a sunny day, capture those moments. Kids love seeing pictures of themselves, and having photos where they look cool and happy in their sunglasses can make them more enthusiastic about wearing them.

Creating a photo album or scrapbook can be a delightful project. Gather the photos of your child wearing their sunglasses and compile them into a special album. You can add captions, stickers, and little notes to highlight their "cool" moments. This not only makes for a fun activity but also creates lasting memories that your child will cherish. Looking back at these photos can reinforce the positive association with wearing sunglasses.

Another great idea isto share these photos with friends and family. Posting them on social media (with appropriate privacy settings) or creating a digital photo album can show your child that wearing sunglasses is something to be proud of. When they see their loved ones commenting on how cool they look, it can boost their confidence and make them more likely to wear their sunglasses regularly.

5. Educate, Educate!

It is crucial to educate your child about the importance of wearing sunglasses. Use simple, age-appropriate language to explain how sunglasses protect their eyes. You might say something like, “Sunglasses help keep your eyes safe from the sun, just like sunscreen keeps your skin safe.” This comparison makes the concept more relatable.

Discuss UV rays and their harmful effects in a child-friendly way. Explain that the sun sends out invisible rays called UV rays, which can hurt their eyes if they’re not careful. You could say, “UV rays are like tiny, invisible bugs that can hurt your eyes, but sunglasses are like bug spray for your eyes—they keep the bad stuff away.”

Use analogies like sunglasses being "superhero shields" for their eyes. For example, you could say, “When you wear sunglasses, it’s like having a superhero shield that protects your eyes from the sun’s bad rays. Just like superheroes wear special gear to stay safe, you wear your sunglasses to keep your eyes safe."

6. Set Example

One of the most effective ways to encourage your kids to wear sunglasses is to lead by example. Kids are keen observers and often imitate what their parents and caregivers do. So,make a habit of wearing your sunglasses every time you step outside. Whether you’re heading to the park, running errands, or just enjoying a sunny day, always put on your sunglasses. This shows your child that sunglasses are a normal and important part of daily life.

Before going outside, remind everyone to grab their sunglasses. You can even make it fun by saying, “Sunglasses on, ready to go!” This makes it a fun and inclusive part of your routine, helping to reinforce the habit for everyone.

Choose stylish sunglasses for yourself and let your child see how cool you look wearing them. Kids often want to emulate their parents, so if they see you wearing stylish sunglasses, they’ll want to wear theirs too. You could even coordinate styles or colors with your child’s sunglasses to show that wearing them can be fashionable and fun.

Don’t forget topraise your child when they remember to wear their sunglasses, especially if they did so because they saw you wearing yours. Positive reinforcement like saying, “Great job wearing your sunglasses! Just like mommy and daddy!” helps strengthen the behavior and makes it a positive experience for them.