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PrintParent to Parent: Haircuts
Taking your kids to a salon can be a "hairy" situation, with reactions ranging from panic to protest.
James, six-years-old
"Mom!"
Kristin Bonanno, Snip-its
"We are always telling kids, you know, don't talk to strangers and don't run with sharp objects. As a child, going to get their haircut, the first thing you do is come on in and meet this hairdresser, who is a stranger, get up in the chair, and here they come at you with the scissors."
You can "straighten out" the "scissors scare" by having the stylist show your child the sharp objects used to cut their hair are not going to hurt them.
Maria, hair stylist
"See, even if you stick your hand in there, it won't hurt."
And to "cut out" the stranger fear, look for a salon with kid-friendly stylists.
Maria, hair stylist
"Ok, what's your name... Shawna."
Plus, make sure they have a "parent chair." This way, you can be by your child's side for every snip.
Ressa, mom
Perhaps, the best way to "untangle" the "trim trauma" is to replace fear with fun. Many kid-friendly salons have toys, computer games, bubbles and the promise of a prize at the end. And if they don’t supply them, Moms and Dads can bring them along.
James, six-years-old
"I like the lollipops and the computer game right there."
Shawna, eight-years-old
"The video game and the prize."
Now, these kids are not only leaving with a new 'do, but a whole new attitude about getting their haircut. Also, Mom or Dad can go first to show their child getting a haircut doesn't hurt.
(Copyright 2007 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)