by Trudy Brown

Created on: February 22, 2010

Toddler haircuts can be traumatic both for you and your child. The noise of the clippers alone can set your child on edge. If you take your child to a salon, you face the added insecurity of an unfamiliar place and strangers. Toddlers tend to have trouble holding still under normal circumstances. The heightened anxiety of getting a haircut can make them downright squirmy. Many a mother has walked away from the salon shrugging her shoulders and thinking, “I suppose the stylist did the best she could.”

Whether you are your child's barber or you take him to a salon, getting a decent haircut can be a challenge. If, however, you can manage to distract your toddler from his nervousness, you may be able to eliminate some of the wiggling that's sabotaging his haircuts. Try these suggestions next time your toddler needs a trim.

 The Right Stylist: Some stylists just have a way with kids. Ask other parents you know for recommendations. Finding a stylist who puts your toddler at ease can go a long way toward nixing the haircut jitters.

The Right Example: An older sibling or parent going first and narrating the experience in a pleasant tone of voice is a good way to show that there's nothing to fear.

The Right Seat: Let your toddler sit in your lap during the haircut. Having a familiar source of comfort in the middle of so much unfamiliarity gives him something to cling to. Sit him facing you so that you can talk to him and sing with him while the stylist works on the sides and back of the hair. Hopefully, by the time she's ready to do the front, your child will feel more relaxed and comfortable with the situation.

The Right Distractions: There are many things you can do to draw your child's attention away from what's being done with those noisy clippers right next to his ear.

1. Point out the mirror and make silly faces.

2. Put stickers on your toddlers hands and clothes. This works especially well to get toddlers looking down when it's time to cut around the base of the head.

3. Talk and sing. Praise appropriate behavior. Use a happy, animated tone of voice and tell your toddler how handsome he looks. Sing favorite songs. Songs with hand motions will keep him the most engaged.

The Right Reward: Some parents call it bribery. I call it a lesson in consequences. Good behavior gets a reward. My sons have already learned that sitting still for a haircut equals a special trip to the ice cream parlor where the three of us split a hot fudge sundae. They actually get excited when I say it's time for a haircut.

For some parents, giving their toddler a haircut is something akin to World War III. Finding a way to make your toddler more comfortable with the process will alleviate the fears that are causing his tantrums and your frustrations. Helping your toddler realize that there is nothing to be nervous about will lead to a happier haircutting experience for all.

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