How can my child say what feels uncomfortable?

Hi, I'm Cody. I'm a barber.

How can my child say what feels uncomfortable?

Children communicate their needs in many ways during a haircut, not always with words. They might point, use gestures, or change their posture to show you or the stylist how they feel. Encouraging your child to honestly report any discomfort helps everyone. A child who does not use speech may have other ways to communicate.

Some feelings are easy to describe, like a comb pulling on a tangle or the cape feeling itchy around the neck. A child can point to the spot or say something simple like "that hurts". You can help your child find words to explain how something feels.

The sounds of salon tools can also be a concern. Clippers or a hair dryer might feel loud or overwhelming, especially for a child with sensory sensitivities. If your child seems irritable or freezes when a tool is on, this may be their way of communicating distress. A short pause can give a child time to adjust.

You can support your child by listening calmly and helping them sort out different feelings. Asking simple, open-ended questions lets your child identify what is happening without feeling pressured. For instance, you could ask "How does that feel?". It is not necessary for a child to make eye contact to communicate.

Modeling how to ask for what is needed can also be helpful. You might ask the stylist questions about the process, or request a small change like trying a different comb. Asking for a break can help a child see that it is okay to speak up.

Call the salon if you have questions about your visit or your service. This is general information, not personal instructions. Your stylist can discuss what works best for your child.

Thanks for watching.