Both kids and adults can find hair loss very distressing. Other children can be very unthinking and unkind regarding a child's new baldness. When a child does experience hair loss they often become the target of mockery from their friends and peers, which can hurt the child's feelings and make them feel separated from the others. It's important for the parents of children who are newly experiencing hair loss to find ways to help their kids deal with realities they're facing. In many cases, the parents must first confront their own feelings about hair loss. If the parents cannot cope with hair loss constructively it will be much more difficult for their child to do so.

The healthiest way to help you child cope with hair loss is to encourage them to talk about their feelings. BY discussing their feelings surrounding the entire situation, the easier it will be for them to come to understand and come to terms with the hair loss. It is especially important for them to feel free to discuss their fears and concerns about the hair loss as well as coping techniques.

Children coping with hair loss need sensitivity from their parents and peers. They need time to adjust to the situation before deciding to rejoin their peer group. It is important to allow the child to decide what to do. When they are ready, some options for dealing with hair loss include just waiting for the hair to grow back, a wig or toupee to be worn outside the home, or even hats to hide the missing hair. Hats and scarves may even allow the child to express themselves, and to allow them to be seen as "the kid with the hat" instead of "the kid with no hair."

If your school age child suffers from hair loss, you should consider speaking to his or her teachers before your child returns to school. Especially if your child is afraid of returning to school, or fearful of being in the company of peers, it is advisable to ask the teacher to explain the situation to the rest of the class, and also to set boundaries of behavior. Children can be cruel. But children can also be very understanding and supportive after situations like this are explained by a respected elder. Many times, direct input from the teacher will prevent, or at lessen, hurtful teasing and ridicule.