Tips for Your Child’s First Haircut
Getting your child’s first haircut can be overwhelming. Most parents keep postponing this day because of the anticipation of disaster. However, at one point, your child has to get a haircut. You can choose to cut your child’s hair at home or do it at a barbershop. The decision usually lies in the preference of the parent.
Whichever your choice, the experience can either be very fulfilling, or traumatic. In that case, it is your responsibility as a parent to make the entire process as comforting and enjoyable as possible. Girls may not put you through a lot of pressure to get it right the first time. However, for your boy child, you will have to take him through such sessions many more times. This means that the first time must lay a good foundation for all other times.
Get a professional to do the trimming
Trimming your child’s hair by yourself can be hectic. The reason is that it is important to actively participate in the process with your child. Sometimes, this could mean putting on a show for your child, or something as simple as holding their hand. In that case, consult a professional to handle the first haircut. It also helps to know that a professional barber has the best electric razor and will give your child the best care.
While at it, be sure to go for a mobile barber in Atlanta, or a barber at a shop near you, that specializes in haircuts for kids. This can only mean that they have enough experience, and patience to deal with all kinds of kids.
Distract them
Distractions might be the only way to make your child sit still through the haircut. The process requires time and patience, both of which kids cannot offer adequately. Introduce different stimuli in the surrounding. You can let your child put on earphones and listen to their favorite music. You can also let them play their favorite game on the iPad. Whatever it is, whether you let them watch a movie or sing their favorite song, make sure your child is as distracted as anyone can be. This will take off the attention from the barber to the other stimuli.
Let your child participate
Getting a haircut might be your decision, but your child is the one to bear the consequences. For them to enjoy the experience, allow them to participate. Kids can be very creative and thoughtful. Allowing them to explore this aspect about themselves might give you amazing results. Besides if it is their idea to get something done, they will be more motivated to do it, than when you suggest it.
Have a reward in store for them
Reinforcing good behaviors on kids has to involve rewards. Let your child have something to look forward to for good behavior. Remind them of the reward that is at stake if they choose to forgo the haircut.
Take breaks
Do not make your child sit on the barber’s chair with finality. This can make them dread haircuts and reinforce it as a traumatic experience. Instead, let the child take short breaks in between the session. This will let them relax their head and neck to finalize the process. The short break can even be the perfect time to issue part of the reward. This might make your child want to get through the whole process to receive the ultimate reward.
Bring a change of clothes
Much as you expect that your child will sit still through the haircut, it might not be so. This might mean that hair will get to his/her clothes. Since this can be super uncomfortable, carry a change of clothes for after the haircut.
Summary
The best way to make your child’s first haircut bearable is to make a memorable moment out of it. This way, you both can look back at it as a moment worth reliving.
