How to Get a Child to Sit Still for a Haircut

Kids and haircuts go together like oil and water. Most toddlers loathe them, and even children who do behave have trouble staying still through the entire thing. If you're struggling to get your child to sit still for a haircut, you're not alone. Learning the tricks to keeping her still and quiet is your best defense against a squirmy child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Get him prepared. When you want your child to sit still for a haircut, you have to prep him ahead of time. A week before you go to the salon, explain to him what will take place. Remind him at least once a day that you're going to go get his hair cut, and tell him how handsome he'll look when his hair is cut. You can also have a pretend salon day, where you brush each other's hair.
2. Distract her. One great trick to get a child to sit still for a haircut is the art of distraction. Sing songs, play games and make jokes to keep her mind off the task at hand. A favorite toy or a hand-held video game may also do the trick nicely.
3. Keep him well fed. It's hard to sit still when you're hungry, so offer your child plenty of treats before and after his haircut. Candy and lollipops work well here, especially if he usually doesn't have a lot of sweets.
4. Make it a special event. If you want a child to sit still while her hair is cut, you need to offer her an incentive for good behavior. Take her to a movie or to her favorite park afterwards. She'll be more inclined to be on her best behavior if she knows that there's something fun afterwards.