As a pediatrician, I often encounter parents who are navigating the ups and downs of raising creative children. Recently, a mother named Lisa shared her experience with her 5-year-old daughter, Mia, who had a sudden desire to get a haircut after spotting a classmate’s adorable bob. Lisa, wanting to support Mia’s autonomy and reduce hair-brushing struggles, made an appointment for the cut. However, at the salon, Mia had a sudden change of heart and opted to keep her long hair, leaving Lisa stunned.
As Lisa recounted, “I could practically hear my sister’s smirk over the phone” when she warned that Mia might take matters into her own hands. Sure enough, one quiet afternoon, Lisa discovered Mia’s creative expression had gone a bit too far. As they sat down for lunch, she noticed Mia’s hair was oddly styled, revealing uneven bangs that started in the middle of her head.
In that moment, Lisa experienced a wave of emotions, and while it’s natural to react strongly, here are some dos and don’ts to consider if you find yourself in a similar predicament.
Don’ts and Dos
Don’t: Enter a state of panic. Flailing your arms and asking “Why?” repeatedly can frighten your child and lead to them retreating in embarrassment.
Do: Approach the situation calmly. Ask, “What made you want to cut your hair?” and genuinely listen to their response rather than spiraling into your own thoughts.
Don’t: Overreact by declaring that they will never use scissors again. This can lead to further hiding of scissors, which you might forget about later on.
Do: Have a constructive conversation with your child. Discuss appropriate outlets for their creativity and explain why professional haircuts are typically a better option.
Don’t: Dwell on upcoming family photos that may be impacted by the haircut. It’s best to focus on the present moment.
Do: Reach out to your partner for support if they are more understanding of your child’s creativity. A simple text asking for perspective can be incredibly helpful.
Don’t: Let your frustration lead to tears as you rummage through the discarded hair clumps. Instead, try to embrace the situation with humor.
Do: Invest in a variety of hair accessories. Remind yourself repeatedly, “It’s just hair,” as a mantra to ease your mind.
Navigating the surprising choices of a creative child can be challenging, but remember to approach the situation with understanding. For more insights on parenting and creativity, check out our other blog posts.
In summary, while it can be shocking to find your child has taken a creative leap with their hair, it’s essential to respond with calmness and understanding. Encouraging their creativity in appropriate ways can lead to a more positive outcome for both you and your child.