Haircuts for Preschoolers
Q-tip
If your child objects to the term "haircut," which sounds painful, use the term "trim" instead.
Childproofing
Make sure your preschooler knows that hair cutting is not one of the responsibilities you want him to take on himself. Despite your words of warning, your child will most likely give himself at least one haircut before kindergarten.
Every so often, you're going to need your child to sit still long enough to get his hair cut. This can present quite a challenge when you're dealing with a three-year-old.
If you want to take your child to a barber or professional hair stylist, take him to your own (if he or she cuts children's hair). Your child may feel more relaxed and put up with the "ordeal" more readily if he sees you getting your hair cut first. Remember to bring crayons or puzzles or some other activity that will keep your child busy long enough to get your own hair done. Then let your child hop up into the chair and get his hair cut. (Some savvy professionals who cut children's hair have now equipped their shops with TV sets and children's videos in an attempt to keep their customers still.)
If you're cutting your child's hair yourself, you'll have to do it fast unless you want to end up with the job half done. You can probably keep him still for half an hour or so by:
- letting him watch in the mirror;
- trimming his hair outside when weather permits;
- cutting hair in the bathtub; or
- cutting in front of the TV while letting him watch a favorite video.
More on: Preschool
Excerpted from The Complete Idiot's Guide to Parenting a Preschooler and Toddler, Too © 1997 by Keith M. Boyd, M.D., and Kevin Osborn. All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. Used by arrangement with Alpha Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
To order this book visit Amazon's web site or call 1-800-253-6476.
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