Toddlers love to pretend, even though they are not quite old enough to easily differentiate between things that are real and things that are make-believe. To help them, consider using face mask crafts. Even if your toddler is not willing to wear the mask, she will enjoy the creative process involved.
Choosing a Base
The typical base for a toddler's mask is a paper plate, and that's probably the easiest choice if you're pressed for time. You can also cut out a circle or other shape from a piece of tagboard for a similar but less recycled look. Because of its inflexibility and color, cardboard is usually a bad choice for toddler masks. A better choice is a large piece of craft foam, which is much more flexible. Although it cannot be colored, the foam creates a nice background for any decorations that are attached with glue.
Decorating the Mask
You can decorate a toddler's face mask with any safe, non-toxic materials. Paint is probably too messy to use with most toddlers, but crayons are a good starting point. (Markers may work for some toddlers but may prove too messy for others.) Smearing the mask with glue and attaching objects such as pom poms, strips of ribbon or feathers can be satisfying to toddlers, as well. For a more traditional-looking mask, you can put glue only along the edge and let your toddler stick streamers or yarn to the wet glue to create a lion or flower mask. Be sure to supervise your toddler at all times to make sure that he does not accidentally digest any of the art supplies.
How Will the Mask Stay On?
Many homemade face masks require staples and rubber bands that can stretch around the back of the child's head. These materials are usually inappropriate and dangerous for toddlers, but there are replacements that work just as well. Try punching a hole into either side of the mask, threading a piece of yarn through the two holes, and tying it to create a similar effect. Because some toddlers will not wear a mask at all, consider gluing or taping a popsicle stick to the bottom instead. In this way, the toddler can hold the mask up to her face if desired. This will give the toddler more control over the process, and it may make her more likely to agree to "wearing" the mask.
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