If your child is complaining, consider that they may have a more sensitive head than you. They may, in your opinion, "over-react" to brushing. Realise that your definition of whats hard and forceful brushing might be different to your child's experience on their head. Listen to them.
With some kids (toddlers especially), hair brushing is just like anything else — a power struggle. They want to do things on their own and assert their independence, so even though they might not do the best job, it can be helpful to let them at least have a go at it.
While it might seem like your child is just trying to make your life more difficult, the reality is that if they hate and refuse to get their hair brushed, then it's likely because they have at least one sensory sensitivity.
Children have a more sensitive scalp than adults. Babies' scalps are extremely sensitive but as children grow, their scalp sensitivity lessens a little each year. In some children the sensitivity doesn't reduce due to a Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD).
Making it fun
If you call your little client "Ma'am" and make a fuss about pampering her, she probably won't mind as much as you work your brushing magic. Boost the fun by suggesting she do some primping on a customer of her own — a long-haired doll, say, or even her fave stuffed lovey.
Getting a doll with hair that can be brushed and styled and letting her practice on that first may be helpful. Most children can start to help somewhere between 6-8 years of age with a goal of independence by 10- 12 depending on the length of the hair and the type of style.
Signs Of A Highly Sensitive Child
Bothered by things like tags on clothing and seams in socks. Dislike big surprises, whether positive or negative. Hyper-aware of the slightest changes to their environment such as color, odor, temperature. Empathetic and attuned to the emotional distress of others.
Common symptoms of sensitive scalp are burning, stinging, dry scalp, vague discomfort in the scalp, and sometimes, the trichodynia. The latter is defined as “discomfort, pain, or paresthesia of the scalp.” Patients often perceive it as unpleasurable combing of hair.
Poor personal hygiene or scruffy/messy appearance
Smelling badly, having rashes or other skin conditions that might indicate poor hygiene, and having consistently unwashed or matted hair could all be signs of neglect.
Only comb baby's hair when dry. Avoid brushing when wet as the hair follicles may pull out easily from the scalp. Avoid over combing your baby's scalp. A maximum of 3 times a day (or less) depending on the age of the child should suffice.
Sensory Reasons for Hair Struggles:
Olfactory (Scent) – Your child may be sensitive to the smell of the hair products you are using on them. Tactile – Many children with sensory issues have very sensitive scalps or are sensitive to touch in general from hands, brushes or combs, and even water.
Sometimes frequent tears are a sign of depression or other serious difficulties. More often, they are a sign that a child hasn't yet developed good skills for regulating emotions.
Feelings of sadness, loss, or emotional extremes are part of growing up. Conflicts between parents and children are also inevitable as children struggle from the “terrible twos” through adolescence to develop their own identities. These are normal changes in behavior due to growth and development.
“Your child's tears over small stuff are related to emotional control,” says neuropsychologist Iris Paltin, PhD, of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. “The tears themselves should be thought of as neutral — there's nothing either good or bad about them.
A child with ADHD, for example, may display impulsivity in response to an overwhelming environment, but a sensitive child would more likely pause and reflect before taking action. Brain activity also delineates the difference between the two.
They have bigger reactions to sensory stimulation.
Children who are highly sensitive, emotionally, are also likely to be more sensitive to sensory input. They experience sights, sounds, tastes, smells and/or textures more intensely. They may become afraid of public bathrooms because the flusher is too jarring and loud.
According to Elaine N. Aron, the trait of high sensitivity, found in 20-30% of the population is likely to have nothing to do with a child/person on the autistic spectrum. In the DSM sensory processing sensitivity (the formal name for HSP) it is not associated with autism at all.
First thing first, if your 5-year-old is acting very emotional, it can be helpful to remember that kids with emotional sensitivity often won't outgrow their intense feelings. Their emotions and feelings are very real and valid.
Physical abuse of a child is when a parent or caregiver causes any non-accidental physical injury to a child. This includes striking, kicking, burning, biting, hair pulling, strangling, throwing, shoving, whipping, or any other action that injures a child.
Brush your child's teeth twice a day – in the morning and at night before bed. You will need to help your child brush their teeth until they can do it well enough by themselves (usually about eight years old).
At some point, your child is old enough to bathe themselves. When exactly that happens, "depends on the child's maturity and desire for privacy," says Dr. Lysouvakon. "Some kids can bathe as early as 5 or 6 years of age, but many experts recommend solo bathing at 8 years of age.