Kiddies Kuts

It is great to see a dedicated children’s hair cutting place in Dublin. This is actually a chain and I think next time we may try a different location.
The kids sit inside chairs which are styled after cats, planes or fire engines and there are cartoons playing as well to keep them distracted. Other places I have been like this had toys also which they could hold to keep them distracted. Here it seems like things are for sale rather than free to play with while there. The toys were also quite overpriced.
I wouldn’t say we had the best experience as my son started crying a bit, as they tend to do in a strange new place, but the hair stylist just launched right into the cut rather than waiting for him to calm down. I think this just made the whole experience less pleasant compared to our less cut.
They have a special for a first cut where you get a certificate and a lock of hair. It is a nice keepsake and the cost is about € 15.

Dear ear-​piercing provider
This is what I want when I bring my nine-​year-​old child in to get her ears pierced for the first time, a long-​awaited, much-​anticipated event that for her that represents one of the most important of her young life to date:
* A modicum of friendliness from the manager in her dealings with us.
* To be regarded more than cursorily by same as she scans the uncrowded room muttering, ‘Is there a piercing?’ wearing a hassled expression as I, apprehensive mother, wave over and smile to indicate our presence (having been initially welcomed by it must be said a nice young shop assistant).
* Not to be handed a form to fill out without any discussion about what is involved, in an atmosphere that assumes no discussion of anything is necessary.
* When I place the form to one side and seek some information on the process, and ask to see the selection of studs, not to be told that red is pink when my child doesn’t find the colour they want. Saying red is pink doesn’t magically make it so, even in the eyes of a wishful kid.
* In short, I want to be made feel secure and that my child is in the right hands as she undergoes a once-​in-​a-​lifetime experience that she will never forget. I want it to be as special as that deserves.
Which is why I took her hand and we walked away — to Claire’s Accessories of Westmoreland Street where it was all those things.
Yours sincerely
Disgruntled Ma