Razor Tales

It was just late last year that we noticed a growing shadow on Zach’s upper lip, his first moustache the telltale sign of our son's puberty and adolescence.Just as we had with our eldest, we left it alone for a bit. Gary had explained that it is best to wait because once he starts shaving, he will be shaving all his life anyway. He also said that if you shave too early, the hair would grow back thicker and tougher. Though some have said this is a myth, we thought it was best to play it safe and wait a bit. Zach was more or less passive about having or keeping his "moustache" so since it was not bothering him we waited until Gary felt it was time.A month ago, the time did come for Zach’s “rite of passage”. This is quite a big deal for us, like our child’s first steps, his visit to the dentist, or his prom, we were marking another milestone in our son’s life, and the “master of ceremonies” in this is the daddy of course!Gary and Zach trooped to the supermarket to shop for supplies.and we gathered around their bathroom to watch!Gary taught Zach how to apply shaving cream and when to know the hair was ready for shaving, he started to talk about beard care but then laughed and said, that's for later (found also the Shaver Info For Men guidelines).He then showed Zach how to hold the razor and what direction to shave inAfter wash off the cream, VOILA!Zach looks so clean and fresh! Gone is the hairy upper lip, the "binatilyo" look which, by the way, sounds so much like an 80’s Pinoy film!Here are tips and steps to teach your pre-teen/ teen son his first shave:1) Shop for the right tools. Go to the supermarket or drugstore together and buy the tools he needs: a good razor and shaving cream. Another option is to use the electric razor than a manual/ disposable razor (Electric razors are easier to handle, but disposable razors give a closer shave).2) Show your son how to apply the shaving cream. Wet the face first, then lather on the cream with just the right amount, not making it too thick and not too thin. The amount should be just enough to cover the hairs on his face. Make sure that he feels the hair as he applies the cream, and he will feel the hair softening.3) Once he notices that the hairs are soft, he can pick up his razor. Show him how to hold it properly and also the right amount of pressure to put on his face. Pressure should be just enough to go over the hair, but not too much that might cause cuts and nicks.4) Start shaving using short, slow and gentle strokes that smoothly glide over the skin. It is best to shave towards the same direction as the hair growth so as not to cause bumps and cuts.After each stroke or when the razor gets too full of foam, he can rinse the razor under running water.5) After shaving, let him splash water over his face to remove excess lather then pat (not rub) and dry his face with a clean towel.6) Remind him to clean up his tools after each use, and show him where to place it. Teach him also to wash of the sink.7) Also optional to use is an after shave cream or lotion. If you do decide to use this, make sure to buy one with a gentle formulation so it doesn't sting or irritate sensitive skin.Afterwards, Zach went back to his room and Gary goes back to ours. As he closes the door behind him, I hear him breathe a heavy sigh. It dawns on both of us that again, our child has taken another step towards manhood, and a few steps farther from being our little boy of long ago.Sigh...#TimeFlies