Making Haircuts Easier: Avoid These Common Mistakes

As a parent, I know all too well the struggles of trying to get a child to sit still for a haircut. Like many kids his age, Charlie finds haircuts uncomfortable and even scary. In my attempts to make this process easier for him, I made several mistakes that caused unnecessary stress and tears. In this blog, I'll share five things I got wrong when trying to get my son Charlie to have a haircut.

1) Forcing the Issue
I made the mistake of forcing Charlie to get a haircut, even when he was resistant. This approach only made him more anxious and apprehensive about the situation. I should have tried to find a way to make the experience less intimidating and stressful for him.

2) Not Preparing Him
I underestimated the importance of preparing Charlie for a haircut. Before heading to the hairdressers / Barbers, I should have talked to him about what to expect, what will happen, and how he can join in.

3) Overreacting to Negative Behavior
I made the mistake of overreacting when Charlie expressed discomfort or refused to cooperate. My reaction only amplified his anxiety and made him feel like he was doing something wrong. Instead, it was important to remain calm and patient, provide positive reinforcement when he does cooperate, and give him short breaks when needed. A little understanding went a long way in making the experience more manageable for both of us.

4) Making it a Big Deal
I also made the mistake of treating the haircut experience like a big event. This approach only increased Charlie's anxiety and made the experience more stressful. Instead, it was helpful to downplay the importance of the haircut and make it seem like a routine part of his day.

5) Not Choosing the Right Time
We tried to cut Charlies hair at all different time but in this process we made the mistakes of choosing times when Charlie was already tired or had just woken up, hungry, or in a bad mood to get a haircut. Timing can be everything when it comes to successful parenting, and it's crucial to choose a time when your child is calm, relaxed, and in a good mood.

So, to all the dads out there struggling with their child's haircuts, getting your child to have a haircut can be a challenging experience, but it doesn't have to be. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make the process less stressful and more enjoyable for both you and your child. Remember don't force it, prepare them for the experience, downplay the importance, and choose the right time.