Taking your Toddler for a Haircut
Making a toddler sit still for a few minutes is an impossible task, and making them sit still for half an hour is even more daunting. Trying to give them a haircut is difficult with all their fidgeting. Added to this, are their anxieties regarding a scissor and being confined inside an apron. There are certain things that a parent can do before and during the haircut procedure to make it easier for the child (and parent).
Fix an Appropriate Time
Identify a time in the child’s schedule when he/she is at his/her happiest frame of mind- a time when the child is neither sleepy nor hungry, so that there is no crankiness at the barber shop.
Choose an Appropriate Barber Shop
Most children get hassled in crowded places and especially at a congested barber shop with all the hustle and bustle. Parents must ensure that the barber shop selected is child friendly and not too crowded at the time of visit.
Child Friendly Hair Stylist
It is essential that the hair stylist is child friendly as there is bound to be a fair amount of twisting and turning (and, maybe, some amount of howling and crying)! It may become irksome for the stylist to tackle the hair cut if he/she is not relaxed with children.
Attention Diversions
It is necessary to divert the child’s attention from the haircutting process. Sing songs, read out a story book or let the child watch TV (if there is a TV in the barber shop). As a diversion tactic and as a reward for sitting still through the haircut, the child can be offered a prize, such as his/her favourite biscuit, or a small toy. But, the gratification must be instant in order to have its effect.
And, if none of the above helps, then sit your child down in front of his/her favourite TV show and give him/her the best haircut that you personally can!!
