DAY 3 – Start the Conversation with Your Child
- Richard Kadri-Langford
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
We know how easy it is to get swept up in the day-to-day rush. School runs, meals, screens, homework, repeat. But today, we’re pausing for a moment. Because what your child understands about their eyes — and their habits — matters more than you might thin#k.
Day 3 of Myopia Awareness Week 2025 is about one simple but powerful action:👉 Start the conversation.
Talk to your child about:
Why their vision is important
How screen time affects their eyes
Why getting outside isn’t just “fun” — it’s actually good for them
This might feel like a strange or even slightly awkward conversation to have — especially if they’re younger or aren’t showing signs of problems. But that’s exactly why it’s worth having.
👁️ Kids don’t always know how to explain what they’re seeing
Children are brilliant at adapting. If their vision changes, many won’t mention it. They might think blurry vision is normal. They might just move closer to the board, or squint more often.
When you talk to them openly, you give them the language — and permission — to say when something isn’t right.
Try questions like:
“Can you see the board clearly at school?”
“Do your eyes ever feel tired or sore?”
“Do things look different when you look far away?”
“How much time do you think you spend on screens each day?”
These simple prompts can start a longer, more meaningful conversation — not just about eyesight, but about digital balance and health more broadly.
🌱 Frame it positively, not fearfully
This isn’t about making them scared. It’s about helping them understand that how they use their eyes now can shape how they see the world tomorrow.
If they’re already wearing glasses or contact lenses, you can talk about why. Not just “you need these to see,” but “we’re doing this to protect your eyes for the future.”
If they’re not myopic (yet), it’s still important. Let them know why breaks from screens, time outdoors, and regular eye checks all matter — even if everything seems fine right now.
☀️ Outdoor time is medicine — and you can make it fun
We know that at least 2 hours of outdoor time per day has a protective effect against developing myopia. That’s not always easy with UK weather or term-time routines — but it’s worth building it in where you can.
Could your child walk to school instead of drive? Kick a ball around before dinner? Help you in the garden? It all adds up.
And when kids know why they’re being asked to go outside, they’re more likely to go willingly.
💬 ACTION FOR TODAY:
Have the conversation. Even just 5–10 minutes. Keep it light. Let them ask questions. Involve them in setting some small habits for better eye health.
👨👩👧 Want to go one step further?
Take 5 minutes to chat as a family about everyone’s screen habits — not just the kids’. Make a plan together to get outside more, reduce evening screen time, or book that long-overdue eye test.
Every small change counts — and it starts with a conversation.
📌 Stay with us tomorrow for Day 4, where we’ll ask you to support our mission for better access to myopia management — and show you how to help.
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