My Advice to People - Lighten Up!

[DebbieL]

I let my daughter dye her hair (currently dyed black) and cut it how she wants. No biggie. Hair grows back, dye grows out, etc. Thankfully she hasn't asked for tattoos or anything "permanent". This I wouldn't allow, but would tell her when she's an adult she can do what she wants with her body, and she doesn't have that long to wait (she's 16).

I am a fairly laid-back parent, and my daughter is for the most part a great kid, so I guess I'm lucky.

[maat55]

I have friends who were absolutely strict about what their children were allowed to wear and do with their hair, were absolutely strict period, and have a son who at 19 is almost exactly like your nephew

Thats his right as an adult, on his own. I'm willing to bet, all that I have, that a loving home with structure and dicsipline will turn out better adults than a free spirit atmosphere.

There is more to raising children than controlling their wardrobe. My guess is that, your friends were lacking inside or outside the home, possitive influences.

Ultimately, there is no method that is 100%, but I bet that if your friends provided many years of good influence, their son will change in time.

[cschin4]

I let my daughter dye her hair (currently dyed black) and cut it how she wants. No biggie. Hair grows back, dye grows out, etc. Thankfully she hasn't asked for tattoos or anything "permanent". This I wouldn't allow, but would tell her when she's an adult she can do what she wants with her body, and she doesn't have that long to wait (she's 16).

I am a fairly laid-back parent, and my daughter is for the most part a great kid, so I guess I'm lucky.

I don't know if I am strict or laid back. A bit of both. But, I really don't see the point of battling over hair. Hair comes and goes!