How do we use mouthguards and headgear without scaring them? 

Parenting Perspective 

For many children, protective equipment like mouthguards and headgear can look intimidating. If this gear is introduced too abruptly, it can make them feel anxious and cause them to associate sports with danger rather than fun. Your aim is to help your child view their safety gear as a badge of readiness, not as a sign of risk. When this is approached in a playful and patient way, the same tools that once felt scary can become symbols of pride and confidence. 

Start with Familiarity, Not Force 

Introduce the gear to your child long before it is required for an activity. Let them touch, hold, and even decorate it. Allow them to wear it for a few seconds at a time at home while doing something relaxing. Normalising the texture and feel of the equipment helps to reduce their fear. Framing the gear as empowering can also help to shift their focus from protection to performance: ‘This is what helps champions to play safely.’ 

Explain the “Why” with Calm Honesty 

Children often fear what feels secretive or exaggerated. It is best to explain the purpose of the gear in a simple way: ‘We wear this so our teeth and head can stay safe while we are having fun.’ It is better to focus on the themes of prevention and strength rather than using phrases like, ‘in case you get hurt,’ which can cause anxiety. 

Make it Part of Their Routine 

Create a small ritual before each practice session, such as checking the mouthguard fits correctly and adjusting the headgear straps. Routine makes the safety checks feel predictable, not a source of fear. As they grow, you can let your child lead the process: ‘You are the safety captain today, so you can check your own gear!’ 

Keep the Energy Light and Playful 

Try to turn the process into a game. For example, you could say, ‘Let us see who can talk in the funniest way with their mouthguard in!’ or ‘Knights, helmets on!’ A sense of humour can relax the tension and signals that the gear is part of the fun. 

Offer Gradual Exposure 

If your child is still resistant, you can introduce the equipment in small stages. First, they could wear the mouthguard for just one minute at home. Later, they could wear it during short and simple drills, and finally, in full play. With each small success, you can celebrate their progress: ‘You handled that so confidently. You look like a real athlete now!’ 

Involve Positive Role Models 

You could show your child pictures or short clips of respected athletes or older children in the same sport wearing their gear proudly. Explain that, ‘Everyone who plays this sport safely wears this. It is what makes them good teammates.’ 

Praise Their Calm Cooperation 

When they wear the gear without making a fuss, be sure to highlight their inner growth, not just their obedience: ‘You stayed so calm and focused while you were getting ready. That shows real strength.’ This reframes the idea of courage as a form of composure. 

Spiritual Insight 

Islam harmonises the concepts of courage and caution. True bravery in the Islamic tradition does not mean ignoring risk, but acting wisely within it. Preparing carefully before any action is a reflection of tawakkul trust in Allah Almighty combined with responsible effort. 

Preparation and Trust are Partners 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verse 159: 

‘…Then when you have decided (on any matter), then put your reliance upon Allah (Almighty); indeed, Allah (Almighty) loves those who are totally reliant on Him.’ 

This verse reminds us that preparation and trust are partners, not opposites. Securing oneself before an action is a part of relying on Allah Almighty, not a lack of it. 

It is recorded in Mishkaat Al Masaabih, Hadith 6, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Those from whose tongue and hand people are safe.’ 

This reminds us that a core standard of Islam is that our strength and our speech should not cause harm to others, making safety a measure of our faith. 

You can tell your child, ‘Allah loves it when we take good care of the body He has given us.’ In this way, wearing safety gear becomes an expression of Alhamdulillah (all praise is for Allah) for the blessing of good health.