Today I decided that Luke's hair was really too long and needed to be cut. I've been planning on taking him for about a week now. Luke loathes getting his hair cut. There is much kicking, screaming, crying to the point where he gags and is about to vomit. That is when I say, "ok, that is good enough", and we pay and leave. It's a super fun experience for me too. Today was no different, except that I took him to the Barber in town instead of Snip-Its. I would rather spend 10 bucks to get his hair cut instead of $17. Plus, he would sit on my lap at the barber instead of being strapped to a chair, and I thought this would help. Nope, not even close. So we are about half way through the hair cut, I'm sweating from holding Luke's against me, Luke is sweating from all the kicking and screaming and Gavin decides to join in the fun. He begins to scream from the stroller. Perfect. Could this experience get any better. Yep. They take cash only. So now I must return to the barber shop to pay for the haircut.
So if any one has any tips on how to make this experience any better for Luke, I'm all ears.
About Me
- Ali
- Formerly a high-heeled wearing, cell phone slinging, Associate Art Director at a national magazine. Now a snot wiper and poop checker to two boys full-time and Graphic Designer part-time.
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7 comments:
My advice would be to let Daddy take him... I will be taking my own advice tomorrow and let you know how it goes.
I take all of mine, yes, Scarlett goes to the barbershop. The Sports Clip in Millbury, it's just $6. They are quick and know what they are doing! I have been all over the place. The best part is that it's quick. Brett and Hunter less than 3 minutes. You're in you're out. I try to go during the day with Scarlett, but the boys it is usually 2:30 pm and there is no one there yet.
It's great! It's $6. It's clean. There are some toys. A tip is optional. There's a big TV. Matt and Josh are both awesome. One time, Scarlett was crying in the chair and Josh said - what are you crying about and Scarlett wimpered - nothing. She stopped and he got her done in seconds - really. So go there next time, bring cash. Let me know, I can come for moral support. It is possible.
I agree with Kristin - let Daddy take him, maybe if he sees daddy getting a haircut first then it might relieve some stress for him. If not then daddy has to deal with it while you are at home soaking your feet :-)
Mike took Cameron to Sports Clip this morning - they open @ 6:30 am on Saturday so Mike left as soon as Cameron woke up. It sounds like it went well. Mike said Cameron didn't really watch Mike's haircut & wasn't crazy about sitting in the stroller during it, but that he did OK once it was his turn to sit in the chair. He said next time he will pack snacks to keep Cameron happy during his (Mike's) haircut.
Another thing you can try is giving a lollipop after. Daniela begs to go to the "Hair Cut Store" (Snip-its) because she knows she gets a lollipop afterward. It is the only time we ever have them other than Halloween.
The Barber offered a lollipop to Luke before AND after the haircut. Luke refused. I tried to bribe him at the allergist last week with a lolly as well. No go. apparently Luke's picky eating doesn't apply just to veggies. go figure.
Glad to hear that Cameron's cut went better than Luke's.
Have you thought about just taking him to watch Mike getting his haircut? The second time we took Jocelyn to get her haircut we took her to a salon, Drew went first and as he was getting his hair cut I let Jocelyn watch (I didn't let her watch when Tarah used the clippers, I thought she might get freaked). When it was her turn she was more then ready. I might not have Luke get his haircut right after Mike considering how he reacts but let Luke see what a haircut is all about. Also we never call it hair CUT we call it hair Trim.
Another tidbit. Jocelyn hates getting her toenails cut. I use to dread it so much one time I let them get way too long. I finally asked my neighbor and she said she had no advise since her 8 year old was the same way.... At that I decided no more bribes or playing around I had to get her use to it before it got to her being eight and still acting this way. I now wait until after bath. Turn on the TV pin her legs down and trim her toenails as fast as I can.
Let the barber take control and do a super fast trim, your friend Cristin sounds like she found a great place. Your anxiety is probably radiating to Luke so take Mike along for moral support at least. You might even consider calling the barber ahead of time and talking to them on some ideas and best times to arrive so that your nerves will be helped. Your not the first parent to have a kid who hates getting his hair cut and you will not be the last.
I might also suggest trying to keep Gavin from seeing Luke's outbursts... I would just hate to see him also hate haircuts.
We also take the iTouch or the computer for Jocelyn to watch her favorite show during her haircuts but that is because her trims last about 10+ minutes so it is something for her to watch. Last time she was more interested in watching Tarah cut her hair.
I cut my own little one's(2y/o) hair. I put him on the counter, in front of the mirror and go at it with the clippers. I usually hand him a toothbrush and let him brush his teeth while I do it.
Clippers cost about $20 at target and most come with a DVD to show you what to do. you can start with an all over clipper guard and then work up to fading one into the other once you see how the first cut goes.
Good Luck!
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