12 year old going to the barbers on his own

[Fiona8121]

My DS (Y8) has an appointment after school today (the only time available). He really doesn't want to go on his own. Am I being unreasonable to think he's old enough now to go by himself? I'll be at work and feel he's old enough to go alone but feel guilty?

I think that’s a little mean to be honest, it can be really hard for an adult to articulate what they want at the hairdressers (I’ve had my hair chopped to my ears when I asked for shoulders!) and many of us, me included as an adult find it very daunting, especially if they’ve experienced a bad cut.
also kids can be mean fuckers and if they get the cut wrong they could be worried about teasing etc.
id just wait until you can go with him

DS started going on his own around 12. It's a right of passage!

Far too young!

If he isn’t comfortable then I think you need to listen to that.

If it makes a difference he's been going to the same barbers for years and they know how my son likes his hair.

I'd say he could go if he was comfortable to do so, with a very clear photo of what he wanted. I wouldn't make him go alone if he's not comfortable.
I had a TERRIBLE haircut at that age after my mum made me go on my own, & I didn't have the confidence to say it wasn't right.

Does he want to go on his own? Mine have been going on their own since about 11/12 however I know the barber and checked with him beforehand - he was totally fine and said he’d ring me if they asked for anything more drastic than a trim!

@Autumn101 No he would rather I went.

On reflection I think I'll meet him there. I just wanted opinions really to see if he was at an age whereby he could/should be going alone but I think I'm asking a bit much of him.

Cheers guys :-)

He really isn't. Secondary age fine to go by themselves. Ds likes his cjays with the barbers.

DS was going on his own at that age, so it may be that your son is ready to do so soon as well. Do bear in mind that when they go on their own, they can come back with any haircut they want!

My 15 year old still wants me to go with him, though I usually sit outside now rather than watching. Depends on the child, but clearly he wants you to go.

My son went on his own from about the age of 12. I don't think I went on my own until I went to university!

My 15 year old still wants me to go in with him. I think that's a bit old, but not 12! The main thing surely is that he doesn't want to, so no amount of other kids who do want to make it different for him.

As they know how his hair should be cut, reasonable. Assuming he is not someone who would lose the money you gave him for it.

Why does he want you there?

😂

What age would you say it's ok then?

21

Ds went on his own from that age. Told there would be massive consequences if there were any lines put in

If he was happy with it then fine but he isn’t so I’d go with him.

It's completely age appropriate for him to go by himself, but if he really wants you to go with him then I would. But, I would make it clear that this is the last time, or maybe one of the last couple of times, so that he starts paying attention to what he needs to say and do. Start handing the reins over to him, let him ask for what he wants (but be there if he needs you), let him pay etc.

DS started going on his own at the same age. He was VERY nervous the first time so DH went in with him, had a chat with the barber, paid in adavnce and then left. 2nd time DS went completely on his own. By the 3rd time he actively discouraged DH to go with him.

He's in year 9 now and it's something he looks forward to. I think he enjoys eavesdropping on the lads who work there!

Build it up gradually if you can.