My oldest didn’t have a haircut by anyone -but me, until he was older. Maybe 7. It was stressful every time. He grew his hair long in between cuts because he dreaded it. We tried all sorts of salons, found one hairdresser he liked but she stopped during the pandemic. Even still, she never should cut around his ears, close to his neck, etc. the clippers are still a firm NO GO ZONE.
However, as I sat watching my suddenly big boy, already a teen really, almost my height…getting his hair cut for the 2nd time by his wonderful hairdresser, I heard her explain every part. Ask permission and for his input on style. She treated him like a regular 12 1/2 year old and respected his unique needs. The end came and she explained she wanted to take her small shears and trim a little bit around his ears…
I held my breath…letting him practice self advocacy. He always, always, has said no. Usually in a slightly panicked voice, full body tensing up. This time he said alright, he put on a brave face, his only tell was the sudden stiffness of his entire body -along with eyes grown wide as a deer in headlights. My whole body tensed with him, he could not see me, thank goodness. She did it. He let her. It was nothing short of amazing!! He had a complete haircut, neck, ears, and all!!! My eyes suddenly welled and when she asked what I thought, I apologized for my emotional tears now falling over my cheeks. Big smile of pride on my face!
“Why are you crying Mom?”
“Tears of joy love, tears of how proud I am of you for braving the hair trim around your ears”
I held his face in my hands and told him it was the best cut he’s ever done, that I was so proud of him, and asked him if he felt good about it?
“Yeah, I was a bit nervous but I still let her do it!” His own pride filling his face with a smile. “Now can I have a lolly pop?”
Heck yeah!
I floated on that high for a couple days. My pride overflowing with amazement. he has done it, finally!!! Another tick off the list! Another achievement, small to some but huge for him!!
autstanding 