Catherine (your fave SI kidlet, lol) has really curly but fine, wispy thin hair. Her bangs are just long enough to barely get in her eyes, and it's driving her crazy. Yet she won't even let me brush them down on her forehead to see how long they really are, much less be able to cut them in a straight line. I'm afraid if I even tried to trim, she'd jerk away and I'd end up getting her with the scissors somehow. Any tips? Should I take her to a kids' hair salon? With her, I don't know if that would be a better or worse option. Thanks.

Lesley, I know this question was intended for Robynn but I just wanted to let you know that I had the same problem with Tressa. I ended up cutting her hair while she slept! It was not easy with scissors in one hand, comb in the other and flashlight in mouth! Did it come out straight -no, did anyone notice- no and the hair was out of her eyes. By the time she was 3 we did take her to a salon- we let her see Ali get hers cut first then she was willing to try and did pretty well.

Hi Lesley:

Yes, your precious Catherine is my favorite SI kidlet :yahoo: Different things work for different people (like Alitressa). However, I am a firm believer in modelling appropriate behaviors to set expectations. It is amazing how children act for other people sometimes. I have parents tell me that their kids are horrible for them at home, but compliant for others in public. Each child is different so it is hard to predict.

I have found that many of the children's hair salons today are catered to kids who experience difficulty getting their hair cut. They have many things in the environment now to distract little ones (i.e. video games, movies, and fun seats to sit in). If you cut a child's hair in their sleep, are you really addressing their sensory issues? I have a stylist who specializes in cutting the hair of autistic children and children with sensory issues. She uses the things mentioned above to distract her clients. ECI therapists should be able to guide you or give you a list to places in the community that assist children with special needs. I give my parents a list of where to go.

My suggestion would be to find a children's salon and arrange to come watch another child get their haircut before Catherine's turn. I know you don't want to hear this, but I would brush her beforehand for desensitization. And no, I do not believe it needs to be done every 2-3 hours. That is when the sensation wears off. See how she does next; she might surprise you. If her wheels shoot off, then you can try cutting in her sleep, but that would not be my choice. I wouldn't assume it is going to be a failed bit until it is. Keep me posted :)


Robynne

Robynne, Tressa is not a SI kid- she was just a strong willed toddler who made it impossible for anyone to cut her hair safely. As you know with toddlers, you sometimes have to pick your battles and cutting her hair in the dark was the easier battle :) I wasn't suggesting Leslie do the same but just share the struggles we had cutting Tressa's hair at that age as many moms with and without SI kids do. As she got older she did fine at the salon after watching her older sister just like you indicated. Good luck Lesley with Catherine's beautiful red hair - sorry to have hijacked your thread!

Hi Pam:

You are a SLP, so you probably understand what an ordeal a haircut can be. But, you are also a mommy to little ones, and that is JUST as hair raising...lol! You did not hijack my thread at all :) This is a forum, and all of these moms and dads welcome hints and suggestions from everyone. There is no "one way" to address an issue. We are a family here and I welcome input from everyone. I learn from all of you as well :) I thank you for chiming in and I'm sure Lesley does as well. :smt041

Robynne