Child’s Amusing Reaction to Dad’s Shaved Beard

A 4-year-old boy named Laceson had a humorous response when he saw his father, Quiyon, without a beard for the first time. Ashleigh Young, from San Diego, California, captured the moment on video. Beards are significant for children, particularly with their parents. A study by the University of Queensland indicated that young children perceived bearded men as older and stronger but generally preferred clean-shaven faces.

The study also noted that children with bearded fathers viewed facial hair more positively, suggesting that familiarity influences their perception. This might clarify Laceson’s startled reaction to Quiyon’s clean-shaven appearance. Young revealed that her husband’s shaving was due to military regulations. “He is in the Navy,” Young explained, “and there are current crackdowns on facial hair. He was required to shave.”

Young anticipated Laceson’s shock. “My son has never seen him without a beard.” She prepared to capture the moment. “I had seen other children’s reactions to their fathers shaving and knew my son’s reaction would be amusing.” She was right. “The facial expressions were funny, but the comments and sounds made it even more entertaining.”

The footage was uploaded on TikTok by Young, @ashleighmarie.x0, and has surpassed one million views. In it, Laceson enters the room, encounters his beardless father, and expresses surprise. He asks, “What’s wrong with your face?” with both parents laughing. Laceson persists, “What’s wrong with it? What’s wrong with your beard?” When told it was shaved, he questions, “Why is it gone? Why did you shave it off?”

Young mentioned that Laceson is adjusting to the change. “He is getting more accustomed each day but still makes funny comments like, ‘Look, he has no beard.’” Unfortunately for Laceson, Quiyon has no immediate plans to regrow the beard. “As of now, he’s not growing it back soon,” Young stated, meaning Laceson will need to adapt to his dad’s new appearance.