Child’s Amusing Reaction to Father’s Shaved Beard

A memorable moment unfolded when a 4-year-old boy saw his father without a beard for the first time. Ashleigh Young from San Diego, California, captured this amusing scene as her son, Laceson, encountered his dad, Quiyon, in his new clean-shaven appearance.

Beards play a notable role in how children perceive their parents. According to research from the University of Queensland, young children view men with beards as older, stronger, and more masculine. However, most children prefer clean-shaven faces, viewing them as more favorable. The study also highlighted that children with bearded fathers have a more positive attitude towards facial hair due to their familiarity with it.

This familiarity likely influenced Laceson’s response to his father’s new look. Quiyon’s decision to shave his beard was prompted by his duties in the Navy. Ashleigh Young explained that the military’s rules regarding facial hair required her husband to shave, as restrictions and medical shaving waivers were tightening.

Knowing this would surprise her son, Young prepared to capture his reaction. She anticipated it would be humorous, given her son’s cheeky personality, and was ready with the camera when Quiyon revealed his new appearance. Laceson’s reaction exceeded her expectations, not only with his facial expression but with the amusing sounds and comments that followed.

The resulting video was shared on TikTok under the username @ashleighmarie.x0, quickly gaining over one million views. In the clip, Laceson is visibly shocked upon seeing his father’s beardless face. Initially stunned, he expresses his disbelief with the question: “What’s wrong with your face?” His inquiry fueled laughter from his parents. Laceson persisted, questioning the absence of the beard: “What’s wrong with your beard?”

Laceson eventually learns that his father shaved off the beard and asks, “Why is it gone? Why did you shave it off?” His stunned reaction reflects the importance of beards in his perception of his father’s appearance.

According to Ashleigh Young, her son is slowly adapting to his father’s new look. Despite the initial shock, Laceson continues to humorously comment on the changed appearance, saying things like, “Look, he has no beard.”

Ultimately, Quiyon does not plan to regrow his beard soon. Laceson will need to adjust to his father’s new look for the foreseeable future.

For more information, contact Newsweek editors Marc Vargas and Gray R. Thomas.