An Anomaly: Quinn smiling as she gets her hair done
It’s wonderful dressing up little girls! There’s so many cute outfits, pretty little shoes, not to mention the adorable hair accessories. Unfortunately, as cute as the finished product may be, it is no fun for my 13 month old Quinn. She loathes getting her hair washed. As soon as she sees the shampoo she begins to whimper and cry hysterically. Combing her hair, and styling it tends to be a battle as well, but I’ve been doing a little trial and error to make the experience better for the both of us. Maybe you also struggle with doing your little girl’s hair, so this is what occasionally works for me.
1.Singing: I either sing a children’s song I know she loves, or I have the song playing and sing along. It may not consistently calm her down, but it works about 80 percent of the time.
2. Snack: Even though I don’t want Quinn to associate food with getting her hair done or as a reward for sitting still and not fussing, she is more patient as I’m doing her hair while she is having her snack. If you look at the photo, you’ll see a box in the background containing her snacks.
3. Teamwork: I try to make her a part of the process by letting her hold a brush or comb or to look in her hair accessory box with me to get the items ready for her hairstyle.
4. Eagerness: Though she may not completely understand yet, I talk to her to get her eager and excited about getting her hair done. It works sometimes.
5. Distractions: Anything that can keep Quinn’s attention and distract her while I’m doing her hair is used. It may be “Super Why” or “Thomas and Friends,” a book or small toy she loves.
6. Intervals: Doing her hair in small intervals allowing her to have a break works too. For example, if she has four pony tails, I may do two then give her a fifteen minute break or a little longer, depending on how fussy she is about getting her hair done, then do the other two.
7. Right Products: I make sure to use hair styling products that are gentle on her hair but make it soft and manageable so that detangling her hair does not cause her too much distress.
Do you have a little one who prefers that you leave her hair alone? What works for you when you’re trying to give her an adorable style or to simply wash her hair? Please feel free to share.
All the best,
Tanya
Regardless of a toddler’s gender, race or culture, it has been my observation that most children love music. There’s something about the rhythm that makes them want to move, jump, spin, giggle: you name it! Since my little girl already loves dancing and music, we have purposely selected some musical toys to encourage her interest. When Quinn was just a year old, we got her the Leap Frog Learn & Groove Counting Maracas, and they are one of her favorite go-to toys. What I love about these maracas is that she is able to practice her counting and colors in both English and Spanish. Though she is only 18 months, she is already saying many of the numbers in order. “Uno, dos, tres…” comes out “oh no, dotes, twes,” but it is too cute to watch her say them. Of course, when I attempt to record her, she will not say her numbers or colors in either language, but I am looking forward to the days when she is eager to share what she knows. If you are looking for a fun musical toy for your toddler that teaches as well, this may be the one for you.
Mommy's Baby Steps 