new thread
Well me and my wife are having a baby soon and I was wondering what to do about his hair. Should I let it grow long like mine or should I wait till he is old enough to make his own mind about and just get the regular little boys hair cut when the time comes. I would love to have my son have long hair too like me but I want it to be up to him but since he cant deside right now I dont know.
You sound like a very cool dad!
Ihave two thoughts about this (the father of three, one being a 7 year old boy right now). First, I like the notion that short hair is a little boy thing and that long hair is a sign of male wisdom. I know its a thing long lost on our culture, but I like it still. Second, I try at every point to invite my children into all decision makeing about their lives. After all, they are their lives! So with my son, I ask him how he would like his hair. He is opting for short hair cuts. That is what he gets. I am finding as a parent and teacher, that when young poeple are invited to be essential players in any situsation at hand, the tug of war that adults expect simply disappears, and something else more wonderful happens. That doesn't mean it's all easy--just good for everybody.
Robert
Again, Robert, you have put some very sound advice here. This world would be a much better place and there would be a lot less teen angst in life if all parents were as wise as you seem to be. Native Americans had the best idea, let them name themselves and let them have a part in deciding their own destiny rather than inflicting an unwanted one upon them.
I can remember many, many battles in our house because our father (typical of his generation) was more interested in control and discipline than wisdom and growth. With 3 brothers, there were many "hair battles" that raged until we all grew up and left home. His answer to hair? A crew-cut, every time, given by him amidst much yelling and lecturing.
Anyway, great answer. I'll bet there is and will be much more respect afforded back to you by your children then there was toward my father.
Robert: hell yeah! You sound like a damn good parent, and one that doens't make decisions based on stupidity. I agree fully with you. Everyone says I'll change my ways of thinking once I have kids, but I figure that logic is logic, so... heh.
Mark: Hmm, well, everyone has basically given the best suggestions by now, and like I said, I'm not a parent, so I don't know. I personally recall vividly weeping terribly every time I had to have a haircut. I keep thinking that maybe you should let it be until he says that he wants it short. Then there's your answer. If he doesn't want it short, then he's already well on his way to having long hair. =] That's just my thoughts on it. Good luck, and congratulations!
I'm not a parent, but I have given some previous thought to your subject. My feelings concerning a child's hair is that as soon as he or she evidences an opinion or a preference they should be listened to. Up to a certain age they don't care, but when they do care, their wishes should be respected, especially about something so personal as their hair. A preference (whether it be about a hairstyle or anything) means a begininng of an aesthetic or a taste, and this is an important step in the growth of anyone and an exciting and positive step in finding the riches of life -- what one likes and enjoys. So when a child first begins to care about his hair, one way or another, that is the time for a parent to celebrate a positive step in his development.
Congratulations!
The Rev
Well I'm pretty young and not as wise,lol, as other people here but I'll still give you my 2 cents. I would say to just keep his hair short until he gets older and he can decide what he wants to go with. If he has long hair he might be teased at school b/c young children are that way, and he might not really want long hair anyway. I know I look back and I remember my mom picking out close for me that I didn't like then I would get made fun of at school and it didn't feel good, ofcourse now I never let peoples comments get to me but at that age it was pretty hard to understand that.
I know I look back and I remember my mom picking out close for me that I didn't like
oops that was supposed to be "clothes"
My parents let my hair grow after I was born and I didnt get haircuts for a long time, just trims. No one made fun of it until about first grade. But just remember that it takes years to grow hair out, but it only takes seconds to cut it.
Congrats Mark!
I don't have kids, but my brother's little boys (under 6) all had long hair cuz their mom liked longhair and I thought it looked really good. My brother (unfortunately for them) likes short hair and went and got their hair shaved. I was thinkin' my bro shoulda asked his sons about shaving off their hair.
What I'll probably do if I ever have boys is that I would let their hair grow 4 yrs or so till they start school. That would easily get them through the awkward stage and it could easily be tied back out the way. If they wanted short hair I'd let em get it cut-but it would be up to them.
Marty
I also like the idea of letting his hair grow as long as possible, unless and until he expresses some clear opinion otherwise. Symbolically, I think there is something very special about a little boy's hair before his first haircut. You can't get that back after you take the plunge.
It's much easier to cut than to grow out. I'd let it grow. When he expresses an opinion, listen to it. (If he wants it cut, you might suggest - not force - the two week rule).
Congratulations!
I think you can let it grow and if son expresses his wish otherwise then let him have his way.
Charles