Chandler Noah after getting his new haircut!

So I read today in an associated press article, while googling Inspector Gadget (a whole other blog), that NFL owners are considering a proposal to ban players from sporting long locks of hair that specifically, "flows from their helmets below their names on the back of their jerseys.

According to the associated press, the rule banning long hair on the field was proposed by Kansas City and does not actually require players to get haircuts, but does "require them to tuck it up inside their helmets."

A lot of people reading this may think, "Guys shouldn't be wearing long hair anyway and then we wouldn't have this problem." On the other hand, some will perhaps say, "It's their body, their individualism. Let them wear their hair the way they want."

To be honest, I really don't think appearance is the true issue or motive behind the proposal. I think it has much more to do with safety. Could you imagine running down the football field full force trying to score a touchdown for the team, only to have some 250 pound brut grab your manly ponytail and take you down to the ground by it? That would suck! (For lack of a better and more effective phrase.)

Anyway, I'm not that big of a football fan, so I really have not formed an opinion on the matter. However, the subject did make me think about a recent situation I encountered with my son Chandler who just turned three in December. Since I can remember, he has sported long hair, similar to what some call a bowl cut or "Dutch Boy" style. When I think of Chandler, I think of beautiful hair. It almost seemed like his hair was part of his personality. For so long, Chandler refused to let me cut his hair, in a passive, yet persuasive way.

"Please don't cut my hair mommy," he would say looking up at me with those deep brown eyes. "I like my hair long."

So I never cut it, only bargained with him to allow me to trim it out of his eyes and away from his neck. Now, at three and a half, Chandler wants a haircut. I must admit, I was shocked! Part of me wanted him to be joking or teasing me, because I had grown to like it the way it was. But, because he was sure that is what he wanted, I supported him and we made a trip to the barber. His new look is cute and I am glad he likes it too!

The event made me think about some things. I wonder how many mothers have went through the same thing. I also wonder how people feel about boys wearing long styles. I know I am not the only one who has had a kid whom wanted to be out of the norm in some way for whatever reason! What was that like and how did you deal?

Readers, share your stories or opinions please.