A 4-year-old boy from San Diego, California, experienced a humorous moment when he saw his father without a beard for the first time in his life. Ashleigh Young captured the event as her son, Laceson, reacted to his father, Quiyon’s, changed appearance.
Children often have strong opinions about beards, especially when it involves their parents. A University of Queensland study conducted with nearly 500 young people revealed that children as young as two years old regarded bearded men as older, stronger, and more masculine. However, they generally preferred clean-shaven faces when asked for their preference. The study also indicated that children with bearded fathers held more positive views about facial hair, suggesting that familiarity significantly influences how kids perceive beards.
This understanding sheds light on Laceson’s reaction to Quiyon’s new look. Young explained that her husband’s decision to shave his beard was due to Navy regulations concerning facial hair and medical shaving waivers. “He is in the Navy, and there are strict guidelines regarding facial hair, so he was required to shave,” Young told Newsweek.
Anticipating her son’s bewilderment, Young had her camera ready for Quiyon’s reveal. “I’ve seen other kids respond to their dads shaving their beards, and knowing how humorous my son is, I was certain it would be funny to record,” she stated. “I was taken aback by his reaction, as his facial expression was amusing, but his remarks and sounds made it even funnier.”
The video was posted on TikTok under the handle @ashleighmarie.x0 and has gained over a million views. In the footage, Laceson exits a room and is startled by the sight of his father without a beard. He exclaims in surprise and questions, “What’s wrong with your face?” prompting laughter from both parents. Laceson continues to gaze at his father, repeatedly asking about his beard, expressing his disbelief and curiosity.
Despite his astonishment, Young mentioned that Laceson is adapting to the change. “He is gradually becoming accustomed to it, but he still makes humorous comments like, ‘Look, he has no beard,'” she noted. Unfortunately for Laceson, Quiyon has no intention of regrowing the beard in the near future. “As of now, he’s not planning to bring it back any time soon,” Young added, meaning Laceson will need to adjust to his dad’s new appearance for the time being.