Parents encouraged to help kids get comfortable wearing masks

Parents encouraged to help kids get comfortable wearing masks

The statewide mask mandate that goes into effect in the next half hour will replace any local ordinances.

The state order says any child 6 or younger doesn't have to wear a mask.... but madison county's exemption was for children 2 years old or younger.

Waay 31's ashley carter took our questions about children and masking to one local pediatrician.

Ashley "here at field pediatrics they have this sign on the door saying that they require masks for anybody over the age of four years old.

He said that's a pretty good age for parents to start encouraging their children to put a mask on when going out in public, but he says he recognizes how hard it is for children to keep their mask on no matter how old they are."

Pkg dr. scott field, pediatrician "little kids are notorious for spreading their saliva around all different ways and so that's where the real concern is."

That's why doctor scott fields....one of the head pediatricians at field pediatrics says his practice requires patients four years old and older to wear masks when coming in for a visit.

He says it's not only a way to keep himself and his employees safe - but his patients as well.

Fields says it's ultimately up to parents to decide which age they feel is appropriate to start having their children wear mask in public - but says he hopes parents encourage their children to wear a mask as soon as they think their kids ae ready.

Dr. scott field, pediatrician "i think they should encourage it, it's going to be hard for some kids to wear masks that are under 6 and even older than 6, some people it's hard to get them to wear them, but i think it should be encouraged cause i think it can help interfere with transmission of the virus."

He says not to worry about if your child is too young to wear a mask - because there aren't health risks from wearing one.

He says getting kids used to wearing a mask at a young age will help them get adjusted easier - which is a good thing..

Dr. scott field, pediatrician "i think it's okay to start young, i think the kids may if they get started young they'll get in the kind of situation where they'll get kinda used to wearing it and it may not be that big a deal if they see a lot of people wearing them it will seem like the normal thing to do like wearing a hat."

In hsv ashley c waay 31 news.

Field says with school about to start...parents should continue to encourage their children to wear masks now... that will get them ready for when