As states drop their masking requirements for children, very young children in child care or preschool may be confused with this sudden change. Most especially for very young children who grew up masking for the majority of the last 2 years of their early childhood, the change in policies may confuse them.

As parents and caregivers, the role of informing and explaining to these young children why masking will slowly go away is just as important as explaining why they had to put on masks 2 years earlier.

Do not force them to stop wearing masks.

By this time, most young children may feel attached to wearing a mask in public or when indoors. The mask has become a form of security blanket for some, offering protection from the virus in the air.
While letting them know masking is now optional, do not force young children to abandon wearing the mask especially if they feel particularly anxious or unsafe without one.

Explain why some people and friends may continue wearing masks.

While some young children may easily stop wearing masks, it doesn’t mean everyone else will also stop wearing masks. Let young children know that not everyone may stop wearing masks for various personal circumstances they may be in.
For example, a sick friend may continue to wear a mask to protect their health. Healthcare workers may continue to wear it because of their job.
Whatever the reason, let young children understand that they can only have control over their own mask-wearing but cannot dictate how other people will approach masking.

Helping children face taunts and teasing about mask wearing.

As young children venture more into public playgrounds, some may be taunted and teased for wearing a mask. Teach a young child how to handle these comments by going to an adult who can help them handle the situation. Or for older children, teach them how to ignore or deflate the bully.
Strengthen their resolve that whatever they choose, whether to wear a mask or not, is the only thing that matters.