12 year old going to barbershop alone

[RubiksMoose]

My DS wants his haircut but I’ve not got the time to take him (this week), I’ve suggested he takes himself to the barbershop. He thinks he cannot possibly go by himself and wants me to go with. The barbershop is literally 2 minutes walk from our house, it’s just the other side of the village green. And it’s his hair so he knows better than I do what he wants. He is very sensible and gets on a public bus to school ten miles away each day so I’m sure he’s more than capable of going to the hairdresser alone.

I think he needs to learn independence. AIBU?

I went with ours until 14. Can see why it might be daunting.
At 12, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to instruct an adult.

Mines been going since he was about 11.. same sitch as you barbers is 2 mins away and he gets to keep the change from a tenner! Now he’s 13 I think he’d be mortified if I took him

@MrsSkylerWhite this is why we teach them independence and confidence!

I can see why it might seem intimidating and it would be kind to accompany him. Look at how many people on here are adults and seem incapable of telling their hairdresser that they don't like what they've done..!

Yes perfectly old enough to do this independently. Maybe you could either walk him there or collect him as a step towards doing it without help

keeping the change is a great idea, he could also pop round to my house as I need to go to the barbers and I don't like going on my own either

Mangogogogo

@MrsSkylerWhite this is why we teach them independence and confidence“

Indeed, but at their own pace, surely?

Adults now, perfectly confident and independent.

Yes, I can see that it’s daunting. He’s there been before though and they do remember him from one cut to the next. He gets the same style each time, so he probably only needs to say he wants his usual cut.

Can you take him but get a phone call part way through so you have to leave the shop and loiter outside instead? Start a gradual detachment. Sometimes they need a bit of a fait accompli to realise they can manage fine.

I think I’m going to end up having to take him. Doing it gradually and leaving after he’s got settled in the chair is probably a good idea. Just frustrating as I can only take him on Saturdays - we were busy all day yesterday and have plans for next Saturday too. Unfortunately by the time I get back from work it’s closed. He is back from school by 3:30 and it’s Easter Holidays so ideal time for him to go.

If it’s only two minutes, couldn’t you walk over there with him and ‘see him in’ then return home, leaving him to pay etc? Next time he’ll probably be fine to do the whole thing by himself!

X post!

Can you call the barbershop and make an “appointment” for him and explain that he is bit nervous coming alone. Then tell DS that the barbershop are expecting him on day x at time x. Keeping the change also sounds like a good idea.