While some parents may worry about a face mask impeding a child's learning and development, experts argue that masks can actually help a child become more intuitive.
Dr. Judith Danovitch, associate professor and research psychologist at the University of Louisville, sees mask wearing as an opportunity for kids to exercise skills known to boost their academic and social success.
"Wearing a mask and keeping it on your face over the course of the school day is a great opportunity for kids to practice their self control and self regulation skills," Danovitch said on Friday’s "Ask an Expert."
In these uncertain times, a mask can also be a way to empower a child.
"From a young age, children have the desire to help others," Danovitch told KCBS Radio's Holly Quan. "If mask wearing is framed as an opportunity to help other people stay safe and healthy, that is a wonderful opportunity to empower children."
For children who can wear a mask, but do not want to, an important thing to do is to make sure they understand why people are wearing masks.
"Children as young as preschool are capable of understanding the concept of germs," Danovitch said. "Take this opportunity to teach them about the science behind wearing a mask."
For older children, mask wearing can also be a springboard to talk about ethics or other social issues.
There are some children who are incapable of wearing a mask, Danovitch reminds. For kids with certain kinds of developmental disorders as well as kids who are hearing impaired, wearing a mask can be problematic.
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