Whether it’s lying, stealing, cheating or some other problem behavior, do you find yourself giving lectures on being honest while your child rolls his eyes?

I remember counseling one father who loved his daughter so much that he would give her two-hour lectures. She not only rolled her eyes, but tapped her fingers too. He would yell, “Are you listening to me?”

“Uh-huh,” she’d answer.

Parents, there is an easier way. It doesn’t have to take two hours either. Consider using 4-POINT PLAN:

Probe Listen Appreciate No Criticizing

Instead of worrying, whining, or wearing yourself out with lengthy lectures, make your goal one of understanding what and how your child thinks. By knowing what your child thinks, you can better influence how he or she thinks. This simple PLAN will help you communicate more effectively.

Let’s go back to Colby. Instead of lecturing –

PROBE Ask nonjudgmental questions. Get as much information as you can in order to understand how and what your child thinks. Guide your child with questions like:

So how do you as a parent, avoid, annoying stylist, upsetting your child and getting yourself stressed? Well this is where your best child psychology skills come into play! Sometimes your child will have unwarranted fears and you have to help to overcome them. Creating trust by taking their concerns seriously is first and most important step. Promising a treat can also help. Best of all is to check in your local area to see if there is one of growing number of new specialized children's salons available. Salon chains like Cartoon Cuts are designed to make hair cut experience more positive and entertaining for small children: toys, video games, specially shaped chairs and specially-trained stylists, all help to ensue experience is more like going to a theme park rather than a visit to doctor.

Home Sweet Home

However, if your child is afraid of hairdresser's, then try to cut their hair at home. They will feel safe and comfortable and you will save time and money. You can do it yourself if you have skills - or bravery. Cutting hair for a child is basically same for an adult, except that a child's hair is usually thin and baby soft. Keep bangs approx. 1/2" from eyebrows. If child's hair is thin, avoid short cuts for now until their hair comes in thicker. Shape around face if you're trying to grow it long. If you don't have any haircutting experience, you might want to seek out a step by step guide on children's hair cutting, or get someone to do it for you.

Putting on Style

Whatever you do, remember that today's media-savvy, celebrity-crazy kids want to look good. Children start to take an interest in their own hair style from an early age; even kindergarten set want to be in-style. They want their hair to be like their best friend or even a television character. Boys that used to be seen only in ball caps are now having their hair bleached and highlighted.