Boost your child's confidence with glasses

“It is so important to let the child be part of the decision. There’s a huge range of glasses on the market for children featuring popular characters and grown-up styles. Unlike days gone by, glasses are now seen as a fashion accessory. With choices ranging in colour, style, brand and use, getting a pair that they feel happy in will make all the difference. Work together to find a pair that’s practical, but that your child wants to wear."
Howard Librae, managing director of Bench glasses for kids, Lee Cooper eyewear for boys and Pineapple eyewear for girls

Eyewear accessory ranges are also a great option, allowing kids to customise their spectacle frames with soft charms. The Blinx range starts at £2.49 per charm.

“They will need a bedside table of some kind to put them on at night. If they sleep in a bunk or high bed, you might have to get creative about shelving! And, always have a spare pair.”
Beth, mum of Alex, 13

“One in five children has an undetected eye problem, so if your child has to wear glasses, it’s likely that he or she won’t be the only one in their class. However, if they do feel uncomfortable about wearing their new accessory, there are a couple of things you can do to relax them about putting on their glasses.
“Try pointing out other people who wear frames and who look confident. Parents of friends who wear glasses should make an extra effort to wear them in front of the child. If your child admires a particular celebrity, see if you can find photos online or in magazines with them in glasses. Katie Perry and Tinie Tempah are two famous spectacle-wearers. Highlighting people that they like or look up to who also wear frames will show them that glasses are a normal part of growing up.”
Howard Librae

“My daughter has worn glasses for about two years now and the difference in her is astounding. Her headaches have gone and her self-confidence has come on leaps and bounds, as has her school work. She's never been one to be bothered by what others say, and will give as good as she gets. As she said to one boy at school who couldn't come up with anything more original than four eyes, ‘when you can come up with something original then come and talk to me’.”
Jacqui, mum of Molly, 11

“Turn your experience with bullies into something positive. You understand better than anyone what it feels like to be bullied, so use this knowledge to support younger peers who are going through the same thing.
“Anticipate bullies’ behaviour and prepare a response. Use assertiveness, or even humour.”
From Beatbullying, which works with children and young people across the UK to provide them with opportunities to make positive and lasting changes to their lives and outlook.