Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ann Wilson on October 9, 2008 at 2:05pm

I had a funny experience with my 4 year old granddaughter awhile ago. She found some wigs at my house and I guess her older brother or sister told her that I wear them (they know the situation). She then asked me how the wig stays on my head when I tip my head upside down. She was so serious about it. She had really thought it through which I thought was pretty good for her age. I just told her it does stay on but then changed the subject as you mentioned. It is kind of hard to talk about with anyone. I don't know why it should be harder than talking about any other physical problem but it is.

Permalink Reply by Mari on October 9, 2008 at 3:14pm

I have always answered that my body doesn't like my hair, so I get to be unique. Seems to stop most of the questions after that. To be honest, I like the way children ask then how most adults assume that you are sick with cancer or something. Makes it much easier to explain.

Permalink Reply by Derek on October 23, 2008 at 5:33pm

I have said the following to children who are intrigued by my baldness:

1) I lost my hair because I asked too many questions when I was your age;

2) The wind blew it off....you better careful and wear a hat!

Permalink Reply by Rose on December 27, 2008 at 11:18am

Hi,

This is funny!I think the kids make us feel worse because they say things without thinking and without problems (are sincere), but it's better because from the moment in which we explain what is happening with us they forget it. This is not the same with adults. I agree with Mari. I think we should tell the truth in a more simple way to understand. Say that our body prefers not to have hair but the rest are the same to them.
(i'm sorry for my english)
kisses, Rose.

Permalink Reply by Scott Ostro on December 30, 2008 at 1:30pm

My boys were very concerned, since my lose happened very fast. I see my boys every other weekend and from one visit to the next almost all my hair was gone. There were 8-5 at the time, but told them the truth.

Permalink Reply by Lori Black on February 11, 2009 at 12:03pm

I haven't run into too many children that asked ??? of me, just a curious look or two. My own sons are 8, 4, and 2, they have never known me to have hair growing from my head. I do not go bald in front of them or anyone for that matter. I feel more emotionally comfortable with my wig on or a turban that I wear to sleep in. How do you guys go around without a head covering of any kind? My head gets soooooooo cold!!LOL My boys notice when I am wearing different wigs, I have some "comfortable" ones for at home and some newer ones for going out. I have told them that I am bald and that I just don't grow hair, my older son knows the story and has seen some of you all on this website, he is not offended or embarassed by my hair differences, he says whatever makes me comfortable is OK with him and says no one has asked him about it. They also see me apply makeup and know that eyebrows and eyeliner need to be applied if I have any features, they just ask how come? and I say it is the same as my head hair it just doesn't grow. I have also mentioned that my lack of hair helps me not get sick. Children have an amazing way of processing even simple information if spoken to in an honest way, I feel that they get more curious if it seems like something we don't want to
discuss? Blessings!! Lori

Permalink Reply by Craig Logie on July 11, 2009 at 1:35pm

I just say it all fell out...

I do tend to be pretty blunt and honest about it, best way to be ;-)

Permalink Reply by Jaime Murphy on July 12, 2009 at 10:45pm

Hi there, I'm a preschool teacher so I get this CONSTANTLY! It all depends on the age of the kids on how much detail I go into but I basically tell them that in everyone's blood there are little things called blood cells that keep us healthy by fighting the things that make us sick. I usually give them an example, like "Remember when you had an ear ache? Your body had to fight to make it go away, and it went away in a few days". Then I tell them that my blood cells are confused and fight things that don't make me sick, like my hair. It pushed my hair right out of my body and new ones won't grow until my body stops thinking the hair is making it sick. This is usually the end of the conversation with most kids, but I always reassure them that its not making me sick and its not something they can catch from me. Kids just want to learn so much, most of the time they are genuinely concerned and want to know all they can. Hope I helped :)

Jaime

Permalink Reply by Clarissa Ellen Becker French on March 7, 2010 at 2:23am

I always kneal down to their level, I explain in ways similar to both Jaime and Mari. Most parents try to shh them but I say "Oh no, I like it! Kids need to know, or they might get scared and choose to make fun of it." I think best part is when I point out to them that "they have red hair, that lady has blonde hair, he has brown hair...and I have no hair", it helps them see we are all different, and different is normal and perfectly o.k. I usually tell thier parents to look up Aloplecia on line if they have grown-up questions, or to talk to me later. I never ever make them feel ashamed to ask! or scare them or something.

Permalink Reply by jacke hill on March 17, 2010 at 4:42am

my son knew from day one i took my wig off to feed him, just became the norm, now if we are going out he gets my wig if he is in a hurry he is 6, end of day kids except us for who we are as long as we dont make a fuss

jackie xx