As a parent, you quickly learn that kids can be surprisingly resourceful—and not always in the ways you expect. Take my 5-year-old, for instance. While her imagination is a wonderful thing, it often manifests in ways that lead to epic messes involving glue, tape, and the recycling bin. Recently, she developed a fascination with short hair after spotting a classmate’s adorable bob. After weeks of her pleading for a haircut, I finally relented and made an appointment.
But you can probably guess what happened next. As she sat in the salon, engrossed in a cartoon, she casually declared she wanted to keep her long hair. I was stunned. I had just spent a month navigating the daily hair-brushing battles, and now this? No biggie, I thought. A girl can change her mind. Just a trim would work.
Fast forward to one quiet morning, where I felt proud of my independent child. But as we sat down for lunch, I noticed her hair oddly swept forward. Upon closer inspection, I was greeted with a shocking revelation: she had given herself bangs. And not just any bangs—these were a chaotic, uneven mess starting in the middle of her head. I could almost hear her internal monologue saying, “Uh-oh.”
In that moment of shock, I reacted in ways that I now regret. So, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, here are some crucial dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Don’ts and Dos
Don’t: Lose your cool and start panicking, flailing around and asking “Why?” repeatedly. This will only frighten your child and push them to hide.
Do: Stay composed and calmly inquire, “What made you decide to cut your hair?” Listen carefully to their explanation instead of succumbing to a meltdown.
Don’t: Overreact by declaring that they can never touch scissors again and hide all the cutting tools. This is likely to backfire when you eventually forget where those scissors ended up.
Do: Have a mature conversation about their actions, guiding them toward more appropriate ways to express their creativity. Explain why professional haircuts are a safer choice.
Don’t: Dwell on impending family photos you’ve already scheduled and paid for. Just don’t go there.
Do: Reach out to your partner (if they tend to be more understanding) for some level-headed support. A quick text like, “She just cut her hair—what do I do?” can provide much-needed perspective. My partner’s response of “Just breathe” was exactly what I needed.
Don’t: Wallow in despair while rummaging through the trash for your child’s hair clumps. Resist the temptation to contemplate hair extensions for the next six months.
Do: Stock up on adorable hair accessories and remind yourself, time and again, “It’s just hair. It’s just hair.”
I’ll leave it to your imagination how well I managed the situation, but I sincerely hope you fare better than I did. Never underestimate the creativity of a child—it can lead to some unexpected adventures. Oh, and I still haven’t found the scissors.
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Summary
When faced with the unexpected scenario of your child cutting their hair, it’s essential to maintain composure and engage in a constructive dialogue. Avoid overreacting, and instead, guide them gently towards positive creative outlets. Remember, it’s just hair, and with the right approach, you can navigate this parenting challenge with grace.