The Summer Haircut

The week I graduated High School, I started cosmetology school.

Most think about college and leave.

I wanted something quick, where I could get a job fast that was not fast food.

I finished and got my license under 9 months. I had an interview and was hired before I had my license. I was very blessed.

I worked at a kids salon down the street from where I lived. 100% of my check went to my parents while I spent my tips on my brothers and I. Taking them to movies and out to eat. My parents worked very hard, so I helped with my brothers and I loved it.

I learned so many things while I worked at the kids salon. I learned about being patient and caring with kids, especially the itty bitty ones. I quickly learned all children need haircuts. Some are fine and some struggle. But that is when I was exposed the most to children with special needs.

My coworkers would quickly assign the children with special needs to me. I didn’t have a problem with it but the first thing they would say to the parents was “She is great! She is very gentle, kind, patient and will listen to your needs.”

Though it was true, I started to realize it was more than that. People feel uncomfortable around children, and people in general, with disabilities and don’t want to “deal” with the struggling. It can be very tough mentally on the body, but imagine the kids!

I worked for 4 years there before I moved to Utah and got married.

I had a lot of practice and realized that the time I spent working cutting kids hair, including children with disabilities would be a skill that came in handy with my own kids.

Haircuts happen 1-2 times a year, for us. They are never fun, and I do not cut their hair on the same day. Too much stress on the kids. Eliana (8) and Adam (6) have gotten better but I only use scissors with them. Meanwhile the other three are still struggling with haircuts.

Summer is almost here. It’s getting hotter and it was time for Liam to get a haircut. It started off pretty bad but by the time we were half way, he was more calm.

Liam’s haircuts are always a conversation starter at home. It always starts with the kids feeling Liams head and giggling about how ticklish it is, but soft if you stroke his hair the opposite way.

Then it turns into a conversation about the color of his scars. What each scar means. What happened to Liam. And a load of many more questions.

One thing is for sure, we never miss the opportunity to talk about Liam’s medical history. We are very open with them. Even the little ones.

Though it can be an emotional conversation, we believe in bringing awareness and inclusion.

The kids never miss an opportunity to talk to other kids about why Liam is so different.

They have big, caring hearts and want other kids to understand instead of just staring.

I’ve always loved the mohawk haircut. Looks good on him.