Port of the mask in the presence of toddlers: the concerns of childhood professionals

However, healthcare professionals and parents are starting to worry about the consequences that the child's development of the child's system could have, wearing adults who welcome and accompany, sometimes up to 50 hours per week,the smallest.Even going so far as to fear delays in the acquisition of language.

The little ones proceed a lot by mimicry, they need to see the smiles, the expressions, the lips move.

Isabelle Deschamps (psychologist in Nevers)

"More than language, we must talk about communication, which is verbal and non -verbal," corrects Carole Pacaud, speech therapist in Nevers and responsible in the Nièvre of the Regional Union of Health Professionals of Speech therapy."The mask hides the expressions and expressions which are as important as the words.»»

A clarification supported by Isabelle Deschamps, psychologist, who intervenes in particular within the association Le Fil d'Ariane, in Nevers: “The first interactions between babies and adults first go through the gaze and then they movedownwards and mouth. The little ones proceed a lot by mimicry, they need to see the smiles, the expressions, the lips move.»»

You will have to be careful in certain situations.I am thinking in particular of children who have autistic disorders or signs of deafness.

Carole Pacaud (speech therapist in Nevers)

These professionals do not draw the alarm signal but however call for vigilance. « Les études sur les conséquences du port du masque sont en cours»», reprend Carole Pacaud."Children still have social interactions without the mask at home, with their parents.We can assume that if there is an impact, it will fade over time in most children.But you will still have to be careful in certain situations.I am thinking in particular of children who have autistic disorders or signs of deafness.»»

Isabelle Deschamps cited an experience carried out in the 1970s by an American psychologist and university professor, Edward Tronick.She showed that 2 to 9 months old children stopped interactions and could show signs of stress as soon as their mother abandoned all expression and kept the impassive face.

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In addition to wearing the mask, it fears the effects of physical distancing.In principle, health and childhood professionals must limit contacts with children as much as possible."For some, no longer being taken in the arms, no longer having a hug, can also be a source of anxiety.In my work, I start to see children aged 8 or 9 who want to come back to the knees.It’s something we didn't know a year ago.»»

Tracks to respond to concerns

In order to alleviate as much as possible the harmful consequences of wearing the mask in the presence of toddlers, professionals give some advice.

Port of the inclusive mask.This type of mask has a transparent plastic window in the mouth, which allows children to see this part of the face. « Les personnels des crèches de Nevers en ont été dotés»», précise par exemple Iris Gallois, adjointe au maire de Nevers chargée de l’enfance et de la jeunesse."Initially, these are masks that allow hearing impaired people to read on the lips of their interlocutor.They are useful with the little ones too.»»

This solution is nevertheless insufficient in the long term.Because these protections are not as easy to wear as the usual surgical masks, lighter. « Le plastique peut être un peu étouffant à la longue, ça donne chaud et ça fait de la buée»», reconnaît Iris Gallois."These masks can be worn in certain cases, alternating with more classic masks.»»

Accentuate house interactions.Isabelle Deschamps advises parents to accentuate the interactions at home as much as possible, to somehow compensate those which take place less at the crèche or at the nanny."It can go through words, songs.Do not hesitate to overplay communication and facial expressions a little.It will be beneficial for children.»»

Explain the port of the mask.Even when they have not yet learned language, children are able to understand many things.Isabelle Deschamps, in unison with other professionals accustomed to working with the little ones, assures that we must always explain the situations to them."Tell them why, in some cases, parents or adults who take care of them during the day must wear a mask.They must be reassured in relation to this.»»

Adapt the protocol.It is undoubtedly the least given advice officially ... but the most applied in the field.Crèche agents and all people who receive children in their professional activity respect as scrupulously as possible barriers and health safety instructions.But in front of a stressed child, who is afraid or no longer recognizes them, they will not hesitate to remove their mask for a few moments, or at least lift it to show their face, staying at a distance.Time to reassure the child.

Jean-Mathias Joly

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