How to Get a Toddler to Wear Prescription Glasses

Your tot looks adorable in those new glasses -- when you can get him to keep them on his face. Toddlers may need glasses for many reasons, including poor vision, misalignment in the eyes or weakness in vision, according to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Your tot's vision doesn't benefit from the glasses if you can't convince him to wear them long enough each day. You can get him to cooperate with strategies that reduce your frustration and help his eyes.

Instructions

    • 1

      Select frames that fit your toddler's face right now instead of trying to extend the life of the glasses by buying large. Test the frames on your toddler. The idea of trying on lots of frames may not sound enjoyable, but your tot is more likely to wear his glasses if they fit comfortably. Ask him how each pair feels.

    • 2

      Talk about the glasses in a positive way. Say, "You are so lucky that you get to wear these colorful glasses. You look so handsome in those frames." You may feel frustrated if he doesn't willingly put on the glasses, but try not to let that frustration show. Your tot will pick up on that negative vibe and may resist the eyeglasses even more.

    • 3

      Wear your own glasses if you have them. If your vision is fine, grab a pair of non-prescription glasses to wear. Toddlers often want to copy parents, so seeing you wear a pair may inspire your tot to put on his spectacles.

    • 4

      Put your toddler's glasses on his face when he is in a good mood. If he's already cranky, he will likely fight the frames even more. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation suggests choosing a time when your tot is engaged in an enjoyable activity so he doesn't even notice the glasses.

    • 5

      Start with requiring the glasses for a short time period during the day. Increase the time your tot wears the glasses gradually as he gets used to the feel of the frames on his face. If he tries to take the glasses off early, set a timer so he knows how long he has to wear them.

    • 6

      Praise your tot for wearing his glasses. Compliment him on how he looks in the frames. If your tot is a sticker fan, use that to your advantage. Make a sticker chart so he can earn stickers each day he wears his glasses.

    • 7

      Place your child's glasses back on his face if he removes them. If you let him get away with taking them off when he is supposed to wear them, he may try to push you in the future, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Be consistent with the times you expect him to wear his glasses so he learns it isn't an option to take them off.

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