There is no reason why the parent can't bring them in with a clean head and you make "rain" for them with your water bottle. If the kid is scared....then he is scared.

Parents and hairdressers should not compound the problem by making the kid try to enjoy this. They won't be scared of it forever. Little kids under 10 really don't fit in the shampoo bowl anyways..................

If the parent insists on you shampooing the kid anyways...then there is something wrong with that parent.

Simple...Don't do kids.

Leave it to specialty salons, they are in that business and work with kids all day, you just can't be everything to everybody. There's no money in kids hair anyway, unless it's your specialty it's just to please mom really isn't it?

I do cut kids' hair- but ONLY my clients kids- not just any ol damn kids.  The best thing is to have them come in early before their first bday.  Don't cut their hair, but let them get to know you.  The kids I cut, take me 15 min.  I charge $25.  They don't cry and they sit still.  Yes you can make money-  you just have to set your limits high.