We are supposed to fly in about 3 weeks and we cannot get our two year old to keep a mask on. We've been working on it for over a month, trying bribery, modeling, etc. We very much stayed home through the pandemic (and still pretty much do because....it's still going on) so there hasn't been much of a reason to work on it until now.
Any tips? He's also a thumb sucker, especially when he's tired so that's really the main issue.
I'm giving it two more weeks before we cancel, but I doubt we'll be allowed to stay on the plane if I can't even get him to keep it on more than a minute.
Post by starburst604 on Jul 23, 2021 13:54:57 GMT -5
I know the rule is kids over 2 in masks, but I feel like they wouldn't give such a young child a hard time? It's not like they'll know from a glance exactly how old he is. If you really want him to keep it on, once on the plane you could try pointing out a flight attendant and saying "that person over there needs us to keep our masks on, if we won't they'll make us get off this plane!" It might not sink in for him until you're actually in the situation.
I definitely would not cancel a trip over this concern. I think you can board last, keep it on him long enough for the flight attendants to walk by, and then just do your best. I think the horror stories you see in the news of families getting kicked off planes are the rarity - most flight attendants are more understanding. Also, how do they know he's over 2? I always buy seats for my kids under 2.
Two thoughts although neither help much if you are concerned about spreading of germs.
1. My sister flew with her thumb sucking 4 year old last week and there is a photo of him sleeping on the plane sucking his thumb with his mask over his hand/thumb. They didn't have any issues.
2. Masks aren't required when actively eating. Keep him a little hungry and give him apple slices, cheerios, etc to eat on the plane when he doesnt want to wear his mask.
Two thoughts although neither help much if you are concerned about spreading of germs.
1. My sister flew with her thumb sucking 4 year old last week and there is a photo of him sleeping on the plane sucking his thumb with his mask over his hand/thumb. They didn't have any issues.
2. Masks aren't required when actively eating. Keep him a little hungry and give him apple slices, cheerios, etc to eat on the plane when he doesnt want to wear his mask.
I agree with the food and I would also give a sippy cup or something to suck on.
I will be the dissenter and say that it is totally reasonable (and responsible!) of you to cancel the flight if your kid won’t wear a mask at all. I wouldn’t worry so much about the thumb sucking (they could put the thumb under the mask in theory), but not being able to wear a mask at all is a no-go. Sorry you’re having so much trouble with it.
Can you try going some easy places with a reward (target, grocery store) with your H to practice and as soon as the mask comes off, kiddo and H wait outside? Like, you have to wear your mask to go inside, but you can go pick out a treat/toy/whatever?
I will be the dissenter and say that it is totally reasonable (and responsible!) of you to cancel the flight if your kid won’t wear a mask at all. I wouldn’t worry so much about the thumb sucking (they could put the thumb under the mask in theory), but not being able to wear a mask at all is a no-go. Sorry you’re having so much trouble with it.
Can you try going some easy places with a reward (target, grocery store) with your H to practice and as soon as the mask comes off, kiddo and H wait outside? Like, you have to wear your mask to go inside, but you can go pick out a treat/toy/whatever?
I agree. My youngest is 3.5 and will wear a mask gladly, but only for about 45 minutes at a time. We won’t fly with her until she’s a little older so we are confident that she would wear it through the airport terminal, flight and arrival terminal. It’s not just about following the rules, but protecting her own health and the health of those around her.
I will be the dissenter and say that it is totally reasonable (and responsible!) of you to cancel the flight if your kid won’t wear a mask at all. I wouldn’t worry so much about the thumb sucking (they could put the thumb under the mask in theory), but not being able to wear a mask at all is a no-go. Sorry you’re having so much trouble with it.
Can you try going some easy places with a reward (target, grocery store) with your H to practice and as soon as the mask comes off, kiddo and H wait outside? Like, you have to wear your mask to go inside, but you can go pick out a treat/toy/whatever?
OP- these are great tips. Also, try screen time only when wearing a mask, all fun outings that require a mask must wear one, etc. My oldest struggled a ton (hence why I started making masks) and these things worked for him. I thought we would homeschool last year over this issue but once he got it, it quickly became a non issue. Also, having multiple fun masks with favorite characters helps…they can choose which one to wear and have some control 😀
Thanks jordylee. I've been enforcing mask wearing at work for a year (until just recently) and I don't want to put an FA in a position to have to push us or reprimand us. Their jobs are hard enough right now. And yes, germ spreading/infection is on the list!
We'll keep trying and decide last minute. It's a trip to see family so not penalty with a last minute hotel cancellation.