Hair Matters: A Mom’s Journey

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As a mom of two energetic boys, I’ve come to terms with certain unspoken rules about their style. Their wardrobe choices usually lean toward a collection of Minecraft tees, Skylanders underwear, and skull-themed socks. Gone are the days when I could dress my eldest in cute collared shirts and plaid shorts. As he grew, his fashion sense shifted to embrace cartoon characters and video games, and my youngest eagerly followed suit. I’ve essentially stepped down from my role as their fashion guru, or maybe I just got a bit lazy. The leisurely strolls through the adorable aisles of Babies “R” Us have been replaced by quick Target trips, squeezing in milk runs alongside pajama buys.

However, there’s one area where I still hold my ground: their haircuts. From the moment my oldest could sit still long enough to be draped with a cape, I relished taking them to the barbershop. I love the buzzing clippers, the vintage photos of hairstyles on the walls, and the sight of boys waiting patiently for their turn. There’s something nostalgic about it all.

Growing up as the eldest of four girls, I never had the chance to experience the barbershop vibe. My haircuts were usually bowl cuts done at home, and barbershops were a mystery reserved for boys—those who didn’t have to worry about their looks. I often envied the freedom of being a boy, especially during my teenage years filled with typical girl dilemmas: my first bra, perms, and questionable makeup choices. I fantasized about waking up as a boy, throwing on a comfy shirt, and stepping out without the fear of scrutiny. If I couldn’t live that dream myself, I would vicariously experience it through my sons.

While I know that as they grow older, they might want more say in their hairstyles, I felt confident that my five-year-old son would still let me make the call. So, three days ago, I took him for a haircut, thinking it was time to trim the rapidly growing locks. The barber suggested a shorter style that would last through summer, and I agreed, not anticipating the fallout.

Ten minutes later, after the haircut was done, I turned to see my son’s face, and it was anything but happy. “Too short!” he cried, arms crossed protectively over his head. I smiled awkwardly at the barber, assuring her it was what I had asked for. It was short, but not too extreme. Still, the sudden change must have been shocking for him.

“You look great! Very handsome!” I tried to reassure him. But he continued to sulk, chanting “Too short!” as we headed to the car. “I look bald,” he lamented.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, thinking, “Come on, it’s just a haircut!” Over the next few hours, I attempted various tactics to help him feel better: “You look older,” I said. “You’re almost 7!” He countered with, “I look old and bald.” I tried to reassure him that many boys had short hair for summer, but he insisted, “No one I know.”

I even mentioned, “Daddy has short hair too!” but he flat-out rejected that idea. Finally, I offered an apology, admitting I didn’t realize he wouldn’t like it and promised not to cut it that short again. Still, he insisted on wearing a hat to camp, fearing ridicule from everyone for being “bald.”

I couldn’t dismiss his feelings, as I remembered my own anxiety about fitting in back in school. How many times did I worry about my outfits, desperately wanting to express my individuality but also terrified of judgment? My son, who is usually brimming with creativity at home, seemed to be wrestling with similar fears about fitting in.

It dawned on me that my assumptions about boys being carefree were naive; he clearly has his own thoughts on how he wants to present himself—and I need to respect that, within reason. No ponytails or mullets, though!

If you’re interested in more thoughts on parenting and insemination, you can check out this article on home insemination and for more information on pregnancy, visit Womens Health. Also, you might want to explore Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit for more insights.

Summary:

In my journey as a mother, I’ve learned to navigate my sons’ evolving preferences, especially regarding their haircuts. What once seemed trivial became a significant issue for my five-year-old, highlighting the complexities of childhood insecurities. It’s essential to support their choices while maintaining some boundaries, not to mention that every haircut is a journey in itself!