A Child's Haircut: A Parent's Challenge

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We are past the screaming stage, and now onto the designer state. The process of getting a haircut for my children has certainly changed in my household over the years.

Years ago, when I took my son to get his first haircut at two years of age, it was a traumatic experience, for all involved. Not only did he go through several different stages of hysteria and anxiety, so did this worried father. Along with that, the barber certainly suffered from my son’s fear-induced screaming, and I imagine everyone who was a customer that day suffered in some way, as well. My son put on quite a show. To be sure, it was a scary experience for the young two-year-old that day, as it is for many young children getting their first haircut.

My son is well past that stage, now, and is well into his high school years. Let there be no mistake; I clearly remember my own teenage years and the importance of creating my own look and my own identity. I remember the battles I had with my own parents about the style of haircut I wanted for myself. I recall thinking that my parents were so old fashioned, so out of touch, so out of date when it came to the latest fashions and trends, those many years ago. It appears that I have stepped into that role, the role of parent with a son who wants his own hair image.

We have placed some ground rules and some expectations upon my son when it comes to getting a haircut. Yet, at the same time, I understand how important a haircut can be for my son; how it can give him confidence, help him express his personality, assist him with creating a good style and outward appearance. Like I did when I was his age, my son likes to stand out from others, and not follow the crowd. He is thinking about growing out his beard into mutton chops, like his favorite superhero, Wolverine. I remind my wife that Elvis Presley once had a similar look at one time in his career.

My son is excited about the possibilities of choosing his own haircut style. I will remind him about the importance of creating a first good impression, about how a haircut says a lot about a person, and of the expectations we might have of him. Then, I will sit back, and try to not to stifle him too much and try not to be THAT kind of parent. You know, the one that we all had when we were kids.