My 11 year old son wants dredlocks. What do you think?

If he's as smart as he sound then let him do it.

He'll know quickly whether or not he likes it. You'll know too.

There are some dumb answers here. What do guns have to do with dreadlocks? If you had made a comment about joints I could understand but generalizing people with dreads to carry guns is just dumb.

When I was 11, just 6 short years ago, I can remember wanting things, and if I got them, I would regret them later.

But, I can also remember learning important lessons from them. It is true that preteens don't usually know what they really want or need, but it is an important part of growing up to start making your own choices.

So if I were you, I would draw up a contract with him. Have it say that if he still wants dreadlocks in 9 months (or however long you think is good) then he can get them, providing that he stays out of trouble/gets good grades, or something to that extent.

I would also have him do some research on them. Maybe if he knows how much work goes into something like that, then he will change his mind.

But you also know how to pick your battles. You have to remember that it is just hair. It grows back, and you can always cut it off.

As for what people will think about him, I would have to agree with your son. If he does get dreadlocks, he will soon learn that it will be a lot harder to get people to think the same thing about you than a normal boy with a buzz cut. Is your son ready for this? Dreads would definitely make him grow up faster in this sense.

I have always thought they look cool.....but NO...

Have him go SMELL someone's dreadlocks. That should turn him away from the idea. Sorry, but those things smell so terrible....like fungus.

Seeing a person with dreads would never put me off, and I am 41. However, the smell is enough to keep anyone from getting them.

On the other hand, tell him: "Sure get smelly dreadlocks....but when you turn 15 and have to get a job, you'll have to cut them off." Probably by the time he's 15, he will have found another way to shock you and the rest of the world with his appearance.

Congrats...your son is normal!

I think so. It might be a pain in your butt to look at, but this should be just the start of many things your son is going to do as a teenager. Just for the record. One of the most popular guys in my school had dreadlocks, and I still have feelings towards this person even married with three kids, because people can see past other people's hair.

If you let him decide on the little stuff like this, things will be so cool between you all. You already sound like an awesome parent.

Who cares what people think. It's a friggin hairstyle and nobody told mr. or mrs. snootypants to look anyway :)

Good luck!

Just say no!. Your not keen yourself are you?. I think they look like dirty matted unwashed (properly) havens for nits etc.

Really if I sit behind someone with dreads on a bus my stomach actually lurches at the sight. In Brighton, England it is a bog standard "new age hippee or traveller" hairstyle, now pretty much out of date. The look is now old and tired.

Long hair on men is cool - my husband has very long hair, but keep it clean to be trendy.

It's only hair..

Chances are he may have seen that kid on "American Idol" and thinks it looked unique.

It is not going to affect job/school/friends at this point in his life, it may be a phase of growing up. Just learning how to be an individual. When he wants to earn a living in the future, he will cut it. OR he will be one of the artsy- kids and this will be to his benefit in that scene.

I used to have a mohawk and tail and bleached blond hair in the 1980s now I am a nature girl. I never got in trouble and everyone assumed it was just a phase. It was a lot of fun being a unique individual and has made me a stronger person, you don't follow the rest of society like a sheep.

give him baggy pants too and a fake 45 to hide in the waste band around his knees....

Honestly, my nephew is 11 and he has wavy curly hair past his shoulders... now in the 70's that was cool. But today he gets NO respect from ANYONE on first appearence and first meeting due to his hair. And those are lasting impressions that your son will have to deal with - and they may last in other peoples minds for years. He may not care NOW, you may not care NOW, but in the long run - yeah, you'll look back at the pictures sitting on the couch and laugh and joke, but someone important in his life (or would have been important) will remember him as the dredlock kid and maybe he won't be liked by some people later in life because of that initial opinion. Maybe he won't get a particular job because of it. Maybe that really sweet 'bring home to mom' type girl will never meet you because of it (and HER parents thoughts about your son's dreadlocks).

Maybe, when he receives and mentally processes these negative reactions from people NOW with his new dreadlocks, it will change him emotionally and scar him in ways you could never dream of...

One more thing... you trust your kid I am sure... but have you ever seen a marijuana legalization rally??? a LOT of the stoners wear dreadlocks... maybe he won't fall into that crowd.... but even if he doesn't the impression is still there....!

Just say no mom....

An 11 year old, is not mature enough to really know what they want from one moment to another. Today, dredlocks, tomorrow, mohawks? Catering to a childs whims at this point in his life, would be opening a door to more "extravigant" request of ..."all the kids are doing it, why can't I?... Keep him as young as you can, for he will grow up and find his own way in life. Teach him the important things that count in life. Having to have a certain hair style is not important at his age. He's only trying to be "popular" by taking on a new persona. Show him how important he is to you, as he is. Once he becomes an adult, encourage him to follow what ever style makes him happy at that time.

Girl, I've been there with my son, who is 15 now. It's just hair. Let him do it. BUT...research it first. If you decide to do it, know that it is a lot of work. If a professional does it, you're looking at around $300.

Is his hair straight? He might need a perm first.

I try to keep in mind that, not only is it just hair, but it's an individual (as in my son's case) trying to define himself by having a hair style that he thinks rocks. What's wrong with that? Don't we all choose our hairstyles?

Well, you have to maintain them or they get dirty and nasty. Personally I think 11 is too young to make that decision. The good thing about boys though is that you could just shave them off if it doesnt work. I would wonder why he wants them to begin with? Basically, it's not permanent and not the end of the world, but I don't think I'd let my son.