Children are generally very curious. This is the reason they need to be carefully watched to ensure they don’t get themselves in harm’s way. However, while some curious behaviour should be encouraged, other types of behaviour shouldn’t be. It can be difficult to know which is which.
This is especially true when considering whether to let your daughter cut her doll’s hair.
In general, this shouldn’t be an issue. But, it is worth checking several things first:
Speak To Pre-school
If your child is already in pre-school, such as this such as this child care Liverpool, with a great reputation, then it’s a good idea to have a chat with them. You can find out if they have been using scissors or if your child is exhibiting any behaviour you should be concerned about.
Doing this allows you to assess where the desire to cut her doll’s hair may have come from and whether there are any negative connotations to this desire.
Ask Your Daughter Why
You should also ask your daughter why they want to cut their doll’s hair. In most cases, it is because the child has seen you having your hair cut or noticed that people get haircuts. In other words, they simply want to mimic the behaviour.
This is harmless and acceptable to indulge. But, you do need to make sure that your child knows the hair won’t grow back like it does in real life. If she assumes it does and the hair doesn’t start growing she may be very upset.
Create ADedicated Area
It’s important to remind your child that scissors are dangerous They can only use them after asking you and under your supervision.
Once you are sure your daughter knows this you should create a dedicated area, effectively a toy barber shop where she can cut and style her doll’s hair.
The point of a dedicated area is that it reinforces the fact that haircuts are usually completed at a dedicated shop.
Cutting Hair Is Normal
It is better that your child cuts her doll’s hair than tries to cut her own. It can be a way of exploring different looks and illustrating to your daughter that all looks are acceptable, from the traditional princess look to choosing to go bald.
In this sense, you can help to reduce the standard image that looks are the most important thing for a girl. Cutting a doll’s hair also illustrates to your child the finality of certain events, you can’t stick it back on.
Alongside this, cutting her doll’s hair means that she has control over her own toys, within reason. This is important for all children to learn as it is a step toward greater awareness of their surroundings and the ability to live independent successful lives when they are older.
It may seem like a strange request but allowing your child to cut their doll’s hair could be a good sign that they are maturing properly.