Parenting Toddlers (1-3) Support Group

This community is focused on the joys, challenges and concerns faced by parents of toddlers (1 to 3 year olds). The major areas of child development include: physical development, perception and sensory development, communication and language development, cognitive development, emotional development and social development. Join to share your stories and get advice.

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joleneLS 02/03/2011

Marlow is 17 months, and her hair is fairly long in the back and in the front. She used to be fine with me brushing and putting it in pony tails or clips. But now she fights me tooth and nail! Her hair is always unruly and messy and in her eyes.

Any ideas how to get it so she lets me do it again?

deleted_user 02/03/2011

We sit my daughter on the bathroom sink facing the mirror and brush her hair. She is either distracted by looking at the mirror, or she grabs her toothbrush and starts brushing away. I can't do anything fancy but it gives me enough time to get it brushed and pulled back. I can't use barrettes right now because she will just pull them out, but she doesn't really have bangs so it's not a huge issue. My mom can apparently sit her on the toilet lid and do her hair as well -- but my daughter has had lots of hair since birth so it's always been a part of her life, I guess she's just used to it. Sounds like Marlow is going through a busy baby stage!

deleted_user 02/04/2011

We do the mirror thing too. Also I sit her on my lap and let her watch cartoons when I want to do something that she hates, like clipping her nails. You might try that.

N79 02/04/2011

On bad days..hubby hold her and I do her hair....it gets done but doesn't always look its best;)

OmbreGracieuse 02/05/2011

My daughter has NEVER let us do her hair. It is now SUPER long in back and needs to have something done with it- I might have to try some of these ideas.

Spot on for asking!! :)

deleted_user 02/05/2011

I go through this nearly every day also or Rebecca's hair is in her eyes. Normally, I give her something to look at that she can hold in her hands so that her concentration is on something else. If it's something she thinks is a treat then it occupies her.
Some days, though I don't fight the battle.

deleted_user 02/07/2011

I do stealthy hair brushing while DD is in the bath or while she is completely absorbed in something. I don't bother with clips, since kids can pull them out way too easily. DD will pull out braids, clips, hair bands (both fabric and plastic), and hair ties. I haven't found anything that stays on. She does not like her hair being pulled whatsoever. The minute I get snagged on a tangle, she will start turning her head from side to side, making it impossible lol.

Try picking up a detangler comb from a local salon. They should only be a few bucks. You can even buy them cheap online if stores are overpriced. I recommend it, since it will make hair styling virtually pain free. Take away the pain and it can be a very relaxing and pleasurable experience, which will make your kids want to do it more. :o)

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