I didn't expect it to last.
It was initially my flight of fancy - a desire to preserve his mop of baby curls.
But then he got really, really attached to them. And so did we.
He began twirling his hair to get asleep at night, he hides behind it when he feels shy. He is not five and people LOVE to comment on his hair - especially now that he has started school.
1. Does it not get in the way?
No, we pull it back during school hours.
2. Does he get teased?
No, he is a pretty cool little guy and, if anything, some of the other boys in his class have asked their parents if they can have long hair.
3. People say things like 'her hair' is lovely.
I don't think we really care if they do or not. These days there are broader minds when it comes to what girls or boys should or shouldn't do/wear/be. My son may just be five, but he knows his own mind and we encourage him to be confident in his choices (as long as they are positive).
4. Grandmothers don't LOVE it.
'Get it OUT of your eyes.' They are finally getting used to it being part of his identity now.
5. People think you are a crazy mother.
Having a long-haired son leads some people to believe that you are somehow slightly manic or disturbed in some way. Again, judging on appearances alone is narrowminded and not something we indulge. Also, I am a bit nuts - so what?!
6. His hair, his choice.
If my son wants to cut his hair at any stage - he will. Maybe it's a phase and maybe he will always have long tresses but what I love most is that he is comfortable enough in his own skin to say to the world - 'this is me, and I like me, no matter what you think'.
What do you think, mums? Can you relate to these long-haired boy struggles?
