Oh No You Didn't!
Thursday, February 12, 2009 Posted by Felicia
We have all been there right? We've all had those moments when complete strangers... or maybe even those close to us step over the bounds of talking about our parenting style.
I have had small encounters with this, you know, the evil looks you get when your screaming infant is hungry and you are on the last aisle of the super market, or when your sleepy toddler has had enough fun for the day when you are in the checkout line.
But....
Nothing compares to what we encountered a few months ago while we were taking Graham for a much needed hair cut!
His hair was truly getting in his eyes and we could not put it off much longer. I had tried trimming it, but he was starting to look like Jim Carey from Dumb and Dumber...you know... same long length on top just trimmed around for effect? SO not the look we were going for!
So, we made our way to the salon to have his hair cut by someone trusted, because we love her and knew she wouldn't mind his crying (he hates hair cuts... you know.. he IS the ONLY child who does of course). We get the cape around him, my husband holds him, and he starts to cry...more like a little whimper...while she cuts. He begins to get more and more frustrated as the process goes on and begins moving his head away from the scissors....you see it coming right?
In a split second his ear has been cut! Not a huge deal at all...but.. he is cut.. and so he cries LOUDER! Just then this OLD man two chairs down screams out, "ENOUGH ALREADY!"
Are you kidding me? Would you like me to come cut your ear? Let's just say I felt like it!
"OH NO YOU DIDN'T!"
On a side note, Graham has gotten much better about having his hair cut these days! We've actually got him used to the clippers which are much safer!
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February 12, 2009 12:54 AM
oh ive been there a few times and it's really not good to hear people even those who are close to us make comments on our parenting style. sheesh these people should know that we're doing our best and they aren't doing any good! oh well...
anyways, keep making good posts. have a great day!
February 12, 2009 2:48 AM
I would have had a hard time refraining from slappy the snot out of that man.
February 12, 2009 5:39 AM
That's why we get our younger son's hair cut with the clippers and a higher number guard. I still would've said something to that man though. I get so tired of older people feeling like they have the right to boss an bully their way through life just because of their age. Not that you implied that was his attitude by your post, but I'll bet that's how it was. That's how it always seems to be now. We "whippersnappers" can't seem to do anything right. I've even gone as far as to tell one old and severely wrinkled lady "Here, if you can do a better job YOU take my kids and raise them then." Needless to say she shut up very quickly.
February 12, 2009 10:07 AM
Fortunately both my boys are really good about their hair cuts. Sometimes it is hard to explain to them about adults with bad manners though. I mean lighten up buddy... or keep your mouth shut.
February 12, 2009 11:19 AM
Wow-I can't believe someone would say that! It really surprises me that it was an older gentleman. The elderly have always seemed to be the most understanding of crying kiddos in my experience.
It's good to hear that Graham is doing better with his haircuts. I'm not looking forward to taking my little guy to get his haircut. So far we've only had to cut it once here at home, but he'll be needing another sometime soon.
February 12, 2009 12:24 PM
Poor graham hope his ear also healed. I would of felt like the same thing maybe would of asked him like I do my kids would you like me to cut your ear. LOL
February 12, 2009 2:29 PM
The nerve of some people. That was rude of the old man. Good to hear that Graham is handling hair cuts better. That reminds me Conan desperately needs a haircut.
February 12, 2009 2:46 PM
Good grief! He must not have grandkids, (or maybe he's a horrible grandpa). That's awful.
Graham looks adorable in that pic though, even with the tears!
February 12, 2009 5:08 PM
Wow! What a grump! I would have...well never mind what I would have done-LOL.
BTW, that picture of Graham is SO cute and he looks so much younger! Time flies! He is such a handsome boy!
February 12, 2009 5:37 PM
Aw, poor kid. My monkeys always had their hair cuts with clippers from day one.
It's surprising the OLD man actually had enough of his hearing left to be able to hear poor Graham. Oops, did I say that out loud? Didn't he know that he was free to leave at any time. You weren't holding him hostage were you?
February 12, 2009 7:40 PM
Yeah, tell me about it. Every time we give our 3 year old a haircut he screams to the point where I'm thinking Social Services might come a' knocking.
February 12, 2009 10:15 PM
I SO SO SO SO SO SO SO would have walked right over to him and given him a talking to. My famous line (Isaac loves it) ... when people are rude ... is I say ... "Who is your Mama ... cause she needs to teach you a few more manners before she lets you back out into the world." I say this no matter how old they are. And even Isaac says it now :)
Love,
Jodi
February 12, 2009 11:28 PM
See this is when the crazy mom comes out of me and marches right over and says something. This is also the time my husband pretends he has no clue who this crazy women is ... LOL
I hate when people act like this, they totally forgot what is or like or I love the comments like my kid was never like that. Really come on I think you smoked a little something and forgot. Take the Rose colored glasses off and come to reality with me!
Ugh I always try to say nice things to people when there kids are having a moment. Like don't worry mine did that just yesterday :).
February 13, 2009 10:55 AM
My son is grown now, but when he got his first big boy hair cut I cried more than he did. While all his cute curls were falling to the floor tears were rolling down my face. Wonder what that jerk would have said about that. I guess I just have very little tolerance for people who have no tolerance for children. I think sometimes people are so wrapped up in their own little worlds they forget there are other little people out there trying to get along in the world too.
February 13, 2009 11:05 AM
Your son is a total DOLL! And, that man is a jerk!
February 13, 2009 11:07 AM
I can't believe that guy...some people are just total scrooges. I mean how could he be mean to cutie like your son? I would have definitely said something to him and it would have been more than "Oh No You Didn't!" LOL
February 13, 2009 10:05 PM
you know...you should have cut that guys ear...just sayin. Although, I am sure Graham doesn't want his mommy in jail! Yeah. So, good thing you didn't cut that guys ear.
=)
February 13, 2009 11:14 PM
I think the story is so bizarre that it is funny! I think if it was just me I would have just sat there because I would have been in shock!! LOL!!
Stef
February 14, 2009 10:21 PM
i can't believe how rude people are. He's little & old men should mind be nice & mind their own business..
February 15, 2009 3:30 AM
They say people basically have the same personality when they age, as when they were younger. Wasn't this man fun to be around?! It takes all kinds, doesn't it?! Cindi
February 15, 2009 12:40 PM
Been there done that...but to my hubby. Whoops!!! Ouch.
February 16, 2009 3:09 AM
Graham is one lucky dude to have a MAMA like you! : )))
leahita[at]gmail[dot]com
February 16, 2009 5:49 PM
Oh,poor Graham, I hope his ear has healed or is healing. That old man would have gotten a piece of my mind! I truly don't like people like that, he should have been the one that got his ear cut; he probably would have cried too or worse!
February 17, 2009 1:21 PM
I don't have kids. I hope your little boy is doing ok. Maybe this will be a story he tells his son on his first hair cut one day. I don't see how parents have as much patience at they do. Not with their kids, but with all the other stuff they have to deal with and then have to explain what they did to their child. A friend told me about your site and I have to say it has been entertaining.
Thanks,
Candice
February 17, 2009 3:28 PM
As I read your story, I pictured the older man as a rather sad character; who probably is always on the verge of anger, is rather frustrated with his life, and is truly miserable in his heart. I then thought of how wonderfully blessed you were to have your sweet adorable child - even if he was scared and crying - how much richer your life is and will be than this man could ever imagine. I am afraid that no amount of words could ever explain to him how wrong he was, and how much of life he is missing. Good Luck on your precious little one.
February 17, 2009 6:40 PM
I hate when people say something at or about my kids.
My 24 month old son just got his first haircut, actually it was more of a trim of his mullet!
February 17, 2009 7:55 PM
I'm so sorry to hear that he was so rude. There may have been more to his grumpy attitude than just your sweet boy. Maybe he had a really rough day and he just lost it. I always try and think about that when I encounter someone like that. Sometimes it really helps....
BTW - your son is ADORABLE!
February 18, 2009 3:31 PM
February 18, 2009 4:24 PM
Oooh - you showed great self-restraint! We had a nasty lady come say something to us at a restaurant once because my son was swinging his legs in his chair. I felt fully gratified when a table full of kids sat down right next to her when we left. :)
February 19, 2009 10:46 AM
I know from my own experience with my son and his angst over getting his hair cut that for some children it is scary and not a fun activity. I absolutely cannot believe that anyone would even think of making a comment, especially when your child clearly was behaving the way any child would! I give you so much credit for handling it professionally (adult-like) the way that you did, I may not have been so tackful! Some people have no feelings, patience, or compassion, that's for sure!
joannaonthelake@gmail.com
February 19, 2009 12:12 PM
That is so rude!!! I used to take my son to a regular salon, well actually I took him there once and he ran around screaming. I was so embarrased that I now pay 3 times as much to take him to a "kids" salon!!!
February 20, 2009 9:05 AM
Oh - that man would have gotten a medibuddy up his nose from me!
February 20, 2009 1:44 PM
Well you had better self control than I would have because I would have said it to him and even taken a step toward him with a pair of scissors in hand.
February 20, 2009 2:12 PM
Oh, yeah, been there, lost it. My son had a freak out at the doctor and the DOCTOR was so nasty. Man, he's coming at the kid with a pointy object, I'd probably scream too!
February 20, 2009 4:48 PM
What happenned to that old addage "If you can't say something nice, don't say it at all."?
February 20, 2009 6:11 PM
My cousin's youngest daughter was a colicky baby. They actually had a neighbor come over one night, ring their bell and say, "If you don't make that baby stop crying, I'm going to call the cops." My cousin's reaction was, "Go ahead. Maybe they'll have some ideas because we've been awake for a week straight and obviously nothing we've tried has worked."
February 20, 2009 6:43 PM
Wow! Aren't you glad you aren't related to him?
February 20, 2009 8:38 PM
Ugh. You'd think he would have learned a little patience in his old age. Sheesh. I have always cut J's hair at home, but I think she's about due for a professional makeover. I can't even imagine how it will go. Crossing my fingers for no cut ears! {wink}
February 20, 2009 9:38 PM
I think if that happened to my sister, mother of 4 and 6 year old, she would have b... slapped that man. I've been with her when she takes her kids to get their hair cut. When it comes to her kids she takes nuttin' from nobody!!!
February 20, 2009 9:55 PM
Awww how cute is your son!!!! We actually had a hair cutting accident a few years ago. Thank goodness that man wasn't around at the time!
February 20, 2009 9:58 PM
I would have been pretty po'd! cranky old man.
February 20, 2009 11:06 PM
Some times your patience are tried more with the rude than with your children. It's a wonder your husband didn't 'tune him up'. It's bad enough that the baby was injured but my gosh he's scared to death. You just got to pray for people like that old man. Joan
jebain@northstate.net
February 20, 2009 11:11 PM
Sometimes those of us whose kids are grown forget these wonderful moments of parenthood...but most of us have more patience than we did then. When I see parents struggling with something like this I just smile to myself and remember the fun times :)
February 20, 2009 11:23 PM
Now won't that be a story for him to tell his kids one day when they are getting their haircut. Some people are just so rude.
February 21, 2009 6:15 AM
Your little guy is precious, and, well, it takes all kinds of people to make up this world. Good Grief!
February 21, 2009 8:40 AM
Oh no! I do not think my AJ would ever get a hair cut again if someone clipped his ear! poor lil guy! Glad to hear is better about HairCuts now tho! Have a good weekend with your family!
hugs,
brandyellen@writingsofawahm.com
February 21, 2009 10:59 AM
ummm.. this REALLY scares me for my son's first haircut. REALLY!
February 21, 2009 11:27 AM
Maybe he had kids, or even grandkids, but it´s amazing how quickly people forget and how slow to put themselves into someone else´s shoes. It must have been a terrible moment for you and the last thing you needed was someone´s judgement. So sorry.
February 21, 2009 12:50 PM
I truely believe we parents need a book on witty comebacks. There seems something could of been said in a tackful witty manner to turn the tables on that old coot.
February 22, 2009 1:38 AM
This has got to be the cutest little picture of him! Don't you just love people....they think they can say anything!
;-)
February 22, 2009 2:40 PM
Oh no! I take my son to a kiddie salon, so I guess they're used to the tears, but he threw the biggest fit the last time I took him in. I was so embarrassed. I actually had to take him to the bathroom midway through to calm him down so she could finish! I am glad his younger brother is still bald!!!
I once nursed my son (under a hooter hider, of course) through a grocery store. I got some disgusted looks but would they have preferred him to scream???
February 23, 2009 2:49 AM
I've been on both sides of the fence-had people get irritated at my kids and I spent many a time in a store wondering why they parents don't take the child out of the store.
February 24, 2009 12:23 PM
Hope your little boy is ok, he is adorable. The old man might have been having a really bad day and just snapped. I've been known to do that, but I'd be in puddles apologizing to a child if I ever did that.
You never know, my grandma always used to say it takes all kinds to make the world go 'round. She said sometimes we just forget we are the grownups and should act like it, cause little eyes are watching.
Thanks,
cammei@triad.rr.com
February 24, 2009 2:22 PM
I'm mad at that man now. And that poor little picture is so sad and darling all at the same time :-)
samanthajocampen at gmail dot com
February 24, 2009 5:31 PM
People are funny...some funny good and some funny bad!
February 25, 2009 12:04 AM
We had someone in a restaurant complain. My husband said, "what part of FAMILY restaurant don't you understand?" I said, oh no, you DIDN'T just say that! (but I'm glad you did)"
February 25, 2009 12:55 PM
The nerve of that man!!
Your poor little guy he is soo cute!
My daughter needed her bangs trimmed and refused to let me so I took her in and after about ten minutes of bribery and no trim ,I paid and left,so needless to say a barrette worked for a long time until she would let me.
February 26, 2009 1:22 PM
Graham is just too cute. Of course I know what you mean, I know the "only other" child in the world who hates hair cuts. It doesn't help when his older brother tells him he's going to get one of those model cuts and have pink spiky hair. Thankfully we've always had patient people around. I'm sorry for your bad experience, but it will be a story to tell.
contestare@care2.com
February 27, 2009 3:08 AM
look at that beautiful, sad, little face. Grandpa has obviously lost all his patience in his old age. I would have made a comment about it, especially when you know that he was inappropriate. ugh! Glad he is getting better about it.
February 27, 2009 4:03 PM
Wow! What a crabby old man! I love the picture of your sweet little man getting his hair cut. We haven't had my G-man's hair cut yet, but I know the day is coming!
February 28, 2009 2:33 AM
My monkey is still a baby so no haircuts yet, though I'm hoping to do it myself. As for the rude comment -- ya know, sometimes I'm on the bus (or coffee place, supermarket, whatever) hearing people talk on their cell phone and feel like yelling "enough already!" But I somehow manage to restrain myself. One time I even heard my neighbor out in the front yard talking on the phone to her gynocologist about some... uh... personal matters. I'd rather hear a kid cry any day.
February 28, 2009 2:10 PM
When my son was 3 he looked so much like a little girl with all his curls it was ridiculous. Of course my view point has changed now that I have grandchildren. He was crying, my wife was crying... If any grumpy old man had muttered a word I swear my wife would have stabbed him with some scissors. Hope it didn't traumatize Graham too much. Guess this will be an experience to remember.
February 28, 2009 11:07 PM
Wow. I hate when that (someone voicing their non helpful opinion in an already stressful situation) happens.
March 1, 2009 4:09 AM
Love the picture of your little sweetie. Sorry he had a bad experience. When he's 15 and you tell his girlfriend, it'll be aw' it was nothing...
I wonder did the old man get a good haircut after that.
Have a great day,
minnowbell@lycos.com
March 2, 2009 9:33 AM
I have had many of those moments. I was traveling home on an airplane with my 15 month old and a person a few seats away went over to talk to the flight attendant about how he was behaving...
March 2, 2009 10:55 AM
I haaaaaate it when people do that. I have a select few friends that know it's ok to step in and give their advice, but that's it. Complete strangers need to MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS!
One of my biggest peeves is when you're shopping (whether it be for groceries or for clothing) and your child is screaming because they want *IT*.. and some person has the desire to say, "Oh, why don't you get the child *it*." I witnessed this at Ross the other day, and watched the mom turn 42 shades of purple and respectfully respond with a "No thanks". UGH! Some people!
March 2, 2009 11:08 AM
poor guy, I've had that happen to my little ones a couple of times between my mother-in-law and the hairdresser.
March 2, 2009 2:57 PM
Poor little guy. I've yet to take my son to get a haircut...he is only 9 months old. But soon enough I'm sure I'll be faced with that same old man. And by God, you'll have to hold me back!
Maybe we'll just do the home hair cut thing...
March 3, 2009 1:46 AM
You totally should have cut his ear! That would have been so funny!
I put off cutting my son's hair till he was seventeen months, simply because I didn't want him to stop being a baby (and because he was bald for so long, I couldn't bear to cut it).
Now, he'll be two this month, and he just loves having his hair cut. I use scissors since his hair is too fine for the razor, and he loves to have me run my fingers through his hair. He also loves having his hair cut because it's one of the few times I consent to letting him watch TV.
The only crazy comments we've ever received from strangers is having people come up to us and telling us how cute our baby is and to guard him with our life because there are crazy people out there. Which always makes me think, yeah and you're one of them.
March 3, 2009 2:37 AM
What a face!!!! I'm so sorry you had a bad experience, but that picture is just precious. I hope he is doing well.
Take care,
Louise
March 3, 2009 9:33 AM
How rude!!! Sorry you had to endure that on top of an already stressful situation. Graham is adorable. I wonder if that fellow knows there is a blog discussing his behavior...
March 3, 2009 10:55 AM
Oh, Bad form Dude!!! Not setting a good example for the young ones is he??? I bet the hairdressers could write a book about all the stuff that happens in the shop.
March 3, 2009 8:59 PM
Oh he's so cute!!! Those kissable little cheeks are just darling. So sorry he had a bad day at the salon. (I still want to say barbershop) Guess that tells you how old I am. I hope his next hair cut goes better.
Take care,
Ruth
March 3, 2009 9:49 PM
You must have forgotten the saying, "Listen, if I want to hear any S___ from you, I'll squeeze your head", LOL! Rude old fart! But while we're on the topic of "Oh no, you didn't", here's one for you:
I'm at the grocery store,in the check-out line standing behind a women and her two little ones, one in the basket, one in the basket seat, when I overheard the old man in front of her (who was checking out) ask her "Can't you keep those kids quiet? I can't even hear myself..." The poor woman looked so embarrassed. So, I couldn't help myself, I said loudly so everyone could hear, "Maybe you could do a little jig for them and make them laugh?" The old guy puts his hand to his ear, sort of leaning toward us and says "What? What did you say?" "I said, they're just babies, they're tired and hungry, maybe you could do a little jig for them?" Everyone in line is cracking up by now. The old man grabs his bag of groceries and huffs out of the store. I told the woman with the babies, well, at least we got rid of him for you:) Then my husband and I helped her with her groceries to her car. My DH was playing with the babies the whole time. I just feel Mom's are really vulnerable sometimes - they're doing the best they can - people need to be more understanding and supportive.
Your little guy is just adorable, BTW:)
maggie@mannwieler.com
March 3, 2009 9:50 PM
I left a (rather long) comment at your "No You Didn't" post:) I can't stand it when people are rude toward parents and/or their babies-it really gets my dander up!
maggie@mannwieler.com
March 3, 2009 10:42 PM
Sorry your little fellow had a rough time. I hope he's got the look he wants now. He's a cutie!!! I wonder if the old guy got a bad hair cut that day??
Also love Maggie's comment!!! LOL
Accio
March 4, 2009 1:26 AM
Poor little man. Haircuts definately have to be the worst period, without the help of others!!
March 4, 2009 2:51 AM
Your little man is just too cute!!! Wonder what he'll think of your blog when he's grown? It will be such a keepsake. Hope his next hair cut will include only hair and no grouchy old men.
March 5, 2009 9:50 AM
I happen to know an old grouchy man and could totally see him reacting the way that the older man did to your son. It's not fun at all because I have had similar experiences with my son and a grouchy old man. It's sad, but sometimes they have no patience. He obviously has no clue what you are going through.
I've been there with my son, the crying for the haircut AND the cutting of the ear, TWICE!!!! Now he's five and will sit through his hair cuts just fine. You too shall be there soon!! Good luck, and ignore old grouches!!!
March 5, 2009 1:02 PM
Poor kiddo! The picture is sooooo adorable and I bet we all feel for him. Glad he is better about it these days.
March 5, 2009 10:19 PM
I, too, have had numerous experiences with this sort of thing. As an extended BFer and homeschool Mom, everyone wants to put in their two cents even though I didn't ask for one! *sigh* Such is one of the crosses of being a Mama and trying to do our best by our babes! :)
March 6, 2009 2:44 AM
I've been there lots of times with my own kids, but I've also been on the receiving end. A mother's love softens the blow, I think. It's difficult to listen to other people's kids cry or complain. It completely changes things when a child is hurt, though. There is no excuse for the way this man reacted. Jerk.
March 9, 2009 10:28 AM
How unfeeling of that man! It would not have hurt to have a little compassion. New to the mother bit, I am just starting to experience the feeling of wanting to correct people when I think they have wronged my child. The other day, we were at the dr's where my very sick daughter was sitting with me at the small kid's table reading a book. The book was open on the table in front of her, where we left off, when I bent down to get her sippie cup from her bag. The next minute, a grown woman had taken her book from under her nose, and my daughter looked at me and started crying. I was so angry that someone would wrong my child! I did not even know what to do . . .
March 10, 2009 2:38 AM
That must have been so difficult for you to hear. I'm sorry about your experience.
kristen4him@yahoo.com
March 10, 2009 2:43 PM
Oh poor guy! I had my ear slashed really bad with a razor immediatly before my first date after my divorce. It was a fancy foo-foo salon & I was so shocked I didn't even complain. My ear bled for hours & I still paid for the hair cut!
Today it would be a different story
March 10, 2009 4:43 PM
Oh poor little boy. I would have cried for him. And announced that he was crying because they cut his ear.
March 10, 2009 11:24 PM
Wow, that was harsh of him. When Graham grows up, and has a hippie do, you'll know that he was scarred from this incident. If he doesn't, you'll know you did just the right amount of brainwashing, I mean successful parenting.
March 11, 2009 6:52 PM
I wonder why haircuts are so traumatic to kids? And I wonder how my little girl will react when it comes time for her first haircut!
pabav at aol dot com
March 12, 2009 6:09 AM
Oooh he would have gotten a tongue lashing from me. Just saying.
I've been on the end of that and well since Im the one living at home with my kids and have to brave it out when things get rough, they can go sit on a pooch.
I'm so glad G is much better and allowing the clippers instead of the scissors. Poor baby.
March 13, 2009 5:11 PM
That man 2 chairs down .. someone must of stole his lunch or maybe he thinks we all live in a perfect world where things dont go a little wrong sometimes. Im not sure why the man did that but maybe just having a bad day. I know how that could of been upsetting to you as I assume you were already upset your son was having a bit of a bad time with the haircut. Things will get better as he gets older, I promise.
July 2, 2009 8:43 AM
Wow! What the heck is wrong with these older people lately? Poor Graham! I would have been crying over my ear too. Don't you just want to tell people to stick it sometimes? LOL Never fails to amaze me but we really do live in such a selfish society.