Child’s Amusing Reaction to Father’s New Look

A 4-year-old boy experienced a funny surprise after seeing his father without a beard for the first time. Ashleigh Young from San Diego, California, recorded her son, Laceson, as he saw his dad, Quiyon, with a clean-shaven face.

For children, beards can be significant, especially when seen on parents. A study by the University of Queensland involving nearly 500 children and young people showed that kids as young as two see bearded men as older and more masculine. However, they generally preferred smooth faces when asked which looked “best.” The research also indicated that children with bearded fathers had a more positive view of facial hair, highlighting the role familiarity plays in perceptions.

Quiyon’s decision to shave came out of necessity. “He is in the Navy, and there are strict rules regarding facial hair and medical shaving waivers,” Young explained. “So he was required to shave.” Young anticipated her son’s shock. “My son had never seen him without a beard.” She was prepared with a camera for Quiyon’s reveal. “I knew his reaction would be funny,” she said, recalling previous instances of children’s responses to their dads shaving. “While I expected a funny face from him, his comments and sounds exceeded my expectations.”

The footage was shared on TikTok by Young under the handle @ashleighmarie.x0, accumulating over one million views. In the video, Laceson emerges to see his father lacking his usual facial hair. He responds with a noise of surprise and asks, “What’s wrong with your face?” Both parents laugh. Persistently, Laceson continues, “What’s wrong with it? What’s wrong with your beard?” Upon learning his dad shaved it, he asks, “Why is it gone? Why did you shave it off?” Over time, Young noted that Laceson is starting to adjust. “Each day, he’s getting more used to it, but he still makes funny remarks like, ‘Look, he has no beard,'” she shared.

Despite Laceson’s initial shock, Quiyon does not plan on growing his beard back soon. “As of now, it will remain shaved,” Young stated, indicating Laceson will need to adapt to the new look.