What to Do About Haircuts

Are you having problems with your children when it is time for a hair cut?

Are you getting lots of stress just thinking 'oh no, his hair has grown and now it is time to go back to the barber shop'? Let's discuss what we can change about this.

We have a lot of options. You have to be having lots of stress knowing that taking him back to the barber shop will mean crying, fussing and perhaps even a temper tantrum.

Is it really the haircut that is making him afraid of going to the barber shop or does he just have to sit still for the time it takes to get a haircut? Somehow you need to figure out the reasons for his behavior.

One suggestion would be to learn to cut his hair at home, so let's discuss that option. You could go out and get a kit at the store that will have electric hair clippers and some special combs and hopefully different blades for the type of hair cut that you would like to give your child. If you can learn to cut hair, then perhaps you can just sit your child in a chair in front of the television, put on a favorite video and he will so be interested in the movie that he won't mind getting the haircut. Now this may not be an option: it certainly isn't for me as I cannot cut

hair even with a book of instructions, but maybe

you have a talent for hair cutting. If so, can save both money and stress.

If you have to take your child to the barber shop then perhaps you might talk to him about what kind of haircut he might like and then tell him the barber can cut it exactly as he likes: 'you'll look great, just like your best friend

who has the hair cut that you admire.' This option may help.

Most of all try to find a good barber who is great with handling children: yes, children do need some handling, at the least a person who talks to the child and makes less stress for them would certainly help. You might give a call to a few of your friends and see which barber shop they are taking their children to, and make an appointment. Even

go in and discuss any problems alone to help with your problem when you bring in your child. Take a look at the barber shop, today some of them have cut chairs that children love to sit in and enjoy.

You might even try a longer hairstyle that won't need cutting very often: it's true the trips would be further apart, but maybe we'll save that option to the last possible option.

Cheer up: as your child gets older he will think more about his appearance and see that his friends are enjoying going to the barber shop and you may just be shocked as he may come to you and say 'Well, can we go to the barber shop as I want a new haircut.'