People often believe that attractiveness is an advantage in the world.  However, there are times when attractiveness can be an a benefit to your child and other times it is a disadvantage in the world we live in. Below are some things to consider about your childs appearance in relationship to progress and learning in our society.

Appearance for example might be an advantage in many instances. 
1 For example, your child might be chosen first for a game. 
2. Many teachers or people in general might give more attention to the "attractive" child over an "unattractive child. 
3. People sometimes assume that an attractive child is more intelligent then he actually is just based on the initial first visual impression rather than performance. 

Appearance that is attractive could be a disadvantage in the following instances. 
1.  Teachers or parents may not be as consistent in applying consequences when a child is attractive compared to a child that is not attractive.  The teacher or might say to themselves in the case of an attractive child- "wow he is so cut maybe I will let him eat the cake anyway!"
2.  The child might be preoccupied with her own appearance compared to others and not attend to tasks. 
3.  The child may start to think they deserve more advantages then others or are "entitled" to certain priviledges and stop working as hard or feel upset when others earn things that they feel they are "entitled" to. 
4.  A child that is attractive may receive more reinforcers then they should for a minor tasks and may not be as motivated to complete more complex academic tasks. 

In general, it appears that perhaps children are better off with average or not to attractive appearance since they may receive more consisant and reliable reinforcers for the behaviors they perform. Parents should consider this about their childrens' appearance and its influence on learning  in the morning when they are dressing or grooming their children! 

Children with no problems and children with disabilties or diagnosis such as autism or ADHD often have problems while getting a haircut.  A haircut can be a fun activity if preventative techniques and the environment is structured to encourage appropriate behavior. The following are some tips to consider in order to have a good experience with your child and his hairdresser! 
1. The first steps begin before you go to get the haircut. Prepare you child by describing what will occur at the hair dresser.
2. Also, include what reinforcers they will earn while at the hairdresser and afterwards. For example, if the hairdresser has cookies or chocalate available you can let them know they can have access to any treats as long as they are behaving nicely, not crying and co-operating with the hairdresser by sitting still. 
3. Always plan a reinforcer for after the haircut. This should be individualized for your child. if they enjoy an outing you might take them to lunch or the mall. The parent should evaluate his child and decide on a very strong reinforcer to give the child after the hair is done. 
4.  As usual always use social praised during the haircut. For example, you might say "you are such a gentleman you are sitting so nicely for the hairdresser". 
5.  You can point out the good reasons for sitting still. For example, you can tell your child that if he sits still his hair will look better and the kids at school will like his hair.
6.  During the haircut you might give the child a toy or computer or cellphone to use while getting the haircut this will distract him and relax him during the process. 
7.  During the shampoo also praise your child, encourage the woman who shampoos his hair to massage the scalp and make it a very happy pleasant expereince with plesant conversation. 
8.  Always test the water before the shampoo on your hand, or the shampoo person can do this, to assure that the water is not to hot or not to cold.
9.  Make sure the chair is adjusted to the right hight and position so the child is comfortable or provide a booster seat if necessary. 
10. Try to include the child in the plan for how to cut the hair so that they feel in control of the situation and they feel their rights are respected. 
11. Finally, make sure your child is feeling well the day he goes to the hairdresser. Try to go when he is not overly hungry, tired or sick.
Parents or caregivers should realize that using some of these small tips may be the diference between a pleasant haircut and a big tantrum or problem at the hairdresser.