My oldest BCG, JoifulzCurlz (age 7) does her research when it comes to choosing a style. She will actually look at blog pictures or some of the albums that I created of her hairstyles and pick out her top 3 favorites. Then she’ll bring them to me and ask how long each style will take to complete. She then checks her “calendar” to see what events she has coming up for the week to assess how long her style will last...lol. We then negotiate and come up with the best style for her.
My youngest, AngelzCurlz (age 4) is a little easier to deal with but she is still quite vocal about how she wants her hair. Her problem is that she changes her mind quite often. She’ll decide on a quick and simple style like two-ponytails but quickly change her mind to whatever style she sees her big sister flaunting. Most of the time, I’ll allow her to change her mind but when I am burnt out from doing her sisters hair (she has a different texture and her hair is much thicker) I will put my foot down and make her stick to the original plan.
I have decided to embrace the fact that my BCG’s really care about their appearance. They love to see their hair freshly done and they run to the bathroom mirror to inspect their new style. They later come back thanking me for doing their hair with the camera in hand. Next comes the posing for pictures time!! They have become accustomed to me taking pictures of their hair at every angle you can imagine. I seldom have to tell them which way to turn so that I can get the best picture, they’re pro’s at working the camera…lol. They love hearing compliments as well as giving compliments to other curly gurlz they may see. I guess I need to count my blessings. I don’t have to deal with the hair battles of them not wanting to sit for a long time. If anything, I’m the one who needs a break here and there.
If you too have an opinionated BCG then you can relate to this topic. Here are a few tips to help things run smoothly:
~ Allow them to look through blogs, pics or magazines to pick their style (age appropriate). I have learned that if I do a style that they love, they’ll do a better job at preserving it. My BCG’s are quite active but they are more cautious when it comes to flipping on the trampoline, rolling in the grass or pillow fighting when their hair is freshly done. They’ll also remind me to moisturize/freshen up their twists, braids or pony’s and to wrap their hair at night.
~ Allow them to help pick out accessories (bows, barrettes, hair clips, hair ties). It cuts down on the negotiation process, the scowled up faces and the attitudinal problems that could potentially occur.
~ Let them partake in the styling process. I let my BCG’s count out how many hair ties, beads, barrettes and etc… I’ll need for their style. This way I won’t have to shuffle through their accessories trying to find what I need. While I prep their hair they lay out all of the tools and hand them to me when I ask for them.
~ Divert their attention by offering alternatives. If there is a style that you don't want to do, allow your BCG to practice this style on her doll :). This may sound strange but it definitely helps when it comes to putting your foot down and sticking to your guns. There are some styles that my BCG's choose that I just don't have the time or patience to do. I'll often suggest that they try to replicate that style on their dolls hair and this usually makes everyone happy.
I hope these tips are helpful. I know that I am not the only mom who deals with this when it comes to styling your BCG’s hair. I would love to hear your stories, feedback and tips so please share.
~blessings to you
*TheBlessedMomOf3*
~blessings to you
*TheBlessedMomOf3*
Goodness, I love the idea of a style album!
ReplyDelete@ Mother Dear, Yes the style album has been a lifesaver for both myself & my BCG's. I recommend starting one... it will prove to be beneficial for sure. Thx for stopping by.
ReplyDelete