You may know about the importance of protecting children's delicate eyes from the sun's harmful UV rays, but getting them to keep their sunglasses ON can feel like a struggle! 

If you're tired of your child taking OFF their sunglasses, you're in the right place. At Speckles, we're not just about providing top-notch eye protection; we want to make it fun and easy for kids (and parents!). Here are our top tips to help your child embrace sunglasses and develop healthy habits for life.

1. Explain the "Why" in Kid-Friendly Terms

Knowledge is power, even for little ones. If your child is old enough, take a moment to explain why wearing sunglasses is so important, without the scary medical jargon!

Try this: "Sometimes, when we're outside on a super sunny day for too long, our skin can get a little pink and sore, right? Well, the sun can also shine very brightly into our eyes, and sunglasses are like a special shield that protects them!"

By relating protecting their eyes to a sensation they already understand (like sunburn), you make the concept more relatable and less intimidating.

2. For the Littlest Sun-Seekers

As babies and toddlers are still getting used to seeing the world, having something on their face, altering their vision, can feel new and strange.

Many parents tell us their little ones initially tried to take off their sunglasses or got a little fussy, but once their eyes adjusted, they loved wearing their Speckles shades.

We include an adjustable strap that attaches to the back of all of our Tiny Tots sunglasses to help keep them secure, even with those curious little hands. 

3. Prioritise Comfort and Quality

Let's face it: kids won't wear something uncomfortable. That's why the type of sunglasses matters. Look for professionally developed sunglasses designed with kids and comfort in mind.

At Speckles, we specialise in this! Our Bendi sunglasses are made with soft, durable frames that can withstand even the most active play, and our foldable Freddie, Amelia, and Oliver sunglasses feature non-slip nose pads, which are great for kids with narrow nasal bridges.

4. Let Them Choose

Want to get your child excited about their sunglasses? Let them be part of the selection process!

Pick from a few options suitable for their age and face shape on our website, and let them pick the colour and style.

When kids feel like they've made the decision, they're much more likely to wear their shades with pride!

5. Practice Makes Perfect

Like any new habit, consistency and positive reinforcement are key. Make sliding on your sunglasses part of your daily routine, just like putting on sunscreen and a hat.

Whenever your child reaches for their sunglasses on their own, praise them by saying, "You look so cool in your shades!" or "Great job protecting your eyes today!"

With time and patience, you can instil a lifelong habit of protecting those precious eyes.

PRO TIP - Be a Role Model

Kids learn best through what they see, and you're their biggest role model, shaping their behaviours, values and world views.

When you set an example, putting on sunscreen together, wearing a hat, seeking out shady spots and sliding on your sunnies, you're making sun safety feel like their norm.

Want to make your sun safety routine even more fun? Match them with our foldable Freddie sunglasses!

We hope these tips help you motivate your child to protect their eyes and keep their sunglasses on! You can learn more about finding the right sunglasses to fit your child in this blog or email hello@specklesforkids.com - we're here to help!