Haircuts

If any of you know Hayden, you know that he is a pretty chill kid. He goes with the flow, doesn't get uptight, and he has a good attitude most of the time. Except when it comes to one thing. Hair cuts. You say the word to him and it sends him screaming and flailing his arms. He becomes hysterical! I took him to get his hair cut from my friend, Rondi, once. I was so embarrassed. He kicked and screamed and I had to have him sit on my lap while I tied him down with my legs and arms. I think he still kicked Rondi a couple of times.

It really is not his fault he has this fear. It's mine. When Hayden was about 16 months and needing a haircut, I took him to the nearest barber and he had a great experience. So, the next time he needed a haircut, I did it myself. I bought my own haircutting set and everything. The first couple of times he did great with me cutting his hair, but then he started throwing fits every time he would see me take out the electric razor. One time I was cutting Eric's hair and he yelled, "OW!" I guess the razor was catching and pulling hair as it went along. Hayden now thinks that this is what happens when he gets his hair cut. Last week he told me that he either wants to grow his hair long like a girl, or take his hair off. When I told him that in order to take his hair off he would have to get a haircut, he said then I guess it will be long. He was dead serious. He hated hair cuts that much. Until now.

I found this place called "Cookie Cutters" over on about 114th and Bangerter in the new shopping center and movie theatre area. I called and made an appointment and just told Hayden that we were going somewhere "fun". We walked inside and it was a kid's dream! First, we had to use the bathroom, and the have a door for grown-ups, and a smaller door for kids. Then, they have a play area with a slide and video games. Now, I am sure that Hayden knew he was getting a haircut, because he could see it being done. I think he was just distracted at the bubbles, video games, car chairs, and movies going on.

When the girl called Hayden's name he ran over. He was so excited, but I could tell he was a little nervous. She asked him which car he wanted to sit in and what movie he wanted to watch. (They have a TV in front of each chair...and they have pink cars for girls!) He chose an airplane and Scooby Doo. The girl that was cutting Hayden's hair was the best! (I have her name if anyone wants to go there.) She kept asking him questions about Scooby Doo and about what he's learning in preschool, etc. And he was asking her questions like, "So, how long have you worked here." and "This is a pretty cool place, don't you think?" Funny, huh? He also mentioned that she was way better at cutting hair than his mom, and that he is coming back for sure.

I was so happy I wanted to cry. Finally, after 3 years of fighting, Hayden had a good hair cutting experience and it was well worth the money. We tipped her 25%. She was that good. She also gave him a balloon, a sucker, and a cookie cutter. How fun is that?

So, anyway, I will never have to put up with a haircutting tantrum again. Unless I cut his hair. He says it's only me that hurts him when he gets his haircut. Oh well, one less thing.

Me: Hayden, what are you going to be when you grow up?

Hayden: 12.