Kim - posted on 05/31/2009 ( 283 moms have responded )
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Hello,
My 19 year old is wanting a tatoo, and we told him not until he moves out and is living on his own. A lot of his friends have them. How do you feel on this subject?
Kim - posted on 05/31/2009 ( 283 moms have responded )
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12
Hello,
My 19 year old is wanting a tatoo, and we told him not until he moves out and is living on his own. A lot of his friends have them. How do you feel on this subject?
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Maxx - posted on 05/05/2013
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I am 19 years of age and my father died when I was 14. I always wanted to get something to honor him by so when I turned 19 I went and got a tattoo for him it says "In your eyes" which is our song to together by peter gabriel. this tattoo means a lot to me. I think that if a tattoo means something to somebody then it is really touching when people get random things on there body I feel it is worthless. I also got it on my back so I could cover it up very well
Hillery - posted on 10/30/2012
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In my opinion a tattoo is not a major thing. Teens could be doing a lot worse things today then getting a tattoo. I personally have five tattoos and am wanting another one. I also have a thirteen year old daughter and if she wanted a tattoo i would gladly take her. At least i would know she'd be getting one from a professional is a safe and clean tattoo shop.
Debbie - posted on 10/27/2012
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My daughter got a tasteful tattoo on the back of her neck 2 days after graduation. Now that she has a job, one that she has to put her hair up, she either has to cover it with makeup or make sure her bun and shirt collar covers it up. I also work for a company that works with the public and tattoos that are visable in a short sleeve shirt are not allowed (i.e. you won't get hired if you have arm tattoos). Personally, I don't mind... I have one on my behind, but I would think about what kind of job I would want to have before getting one.
Jennifer Lynn - posted on 10/27/2012
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I told my son he could get one after he turns 19 but i told him to be careful and not get something that you will regret when you get older such as something filthy i am hopeing that i am raiseing my child to respect himself and others cause a tattoo is permanent and it will be something that shows people what kind of person you are !!!!
Shay - posted on 10/26/2012
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My parents have allowed me to pierce and part of my ear since I was 12 (including cartilage, lobe, tragus, conch, etc.) They allowed me to get a nose piercing when I was 15, and my belly button when I was 16. I have wanted tattoos since I was young but wasn't allowed until I turned 18. My mother liked the idea of the tattoo that I wanted and knew I wanted it for a long time so on my 18th birthday she took me to a very talented and reputable tattoo artist and paid for it as well (it was about $400) Any tattoos I get from here on out I will have to pay for myself.
I think my mom is a very good mother for doing this because she never let me go over board, even when I was 14 and wanted every face piercing in the book she refused. After I turned 18 I came home with a lip piercing and she really hates it but she doesn't try to control me. I am not an out of control child at all, I am currently in college aiming to get on the dean's list and i work two jobs. I never snuck behind her back as a kid and I know to never ever go to anyone unprofessional for a tattoo or piercing, even if it's cheap. I prefer quality over quantity any day. I guess just make sure your son knows about good vs. bad tattoo artists so he doesn't end up with a scratcher. Because chances are is that at 19 years old he's going to do it anyway, just make sure you can educate him about the subject. I am already thinking about my next tattoo, on my wrist, but I am very nervous because I'm afraid I won't be able to get a job.
Donna - posted on 06/08/2012
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My son is 15 and talking about wanting to get a tattoo of a chain link around his wrist because "it looks cool". This stemmed from me getting a very small tattoo recently on my wrist (it is hidden by my watch). I decided to get the tattoo to match the same that my father has on his wrist. I asked him to wait until he was older and to seriously consider where, and what he is planning to have displayed on his body for the rest of his life. he seemed pretty happy with that advice and hasn't brought itup since.
Heather - posted on 01/23/2012
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I let my son get his last name, down his leg in old english when he turned 16...now he bugs me on a weekly basis for another one....i should of never let him do that....he will be 18 though in March and i guess than he will prolly get another one....I like the one on his leg, but now more and more...he wants is the biggest problem
Synamin - posted on 01/20/2012
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I have tattoos myself and when my 18 yr old daughter told me she wanted one I got it for her as a birthday gift and we ended up getting matching ones. I don't feel there is anything with tattoos as long as the aren't in bad taste. The tattoo has meaning for both of us.
Jackie - posted on 01/20/2012
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I can answer that one for you my son just got one last night and he is 18 years old. And I dont like it but he is the one that has to live with it . but befor he got it I did tell him how I felt about it and he told me that he understands but that he wanted to get it because it ment something to him . he just moved out to go live with his dad so he got a tree with a nest in it and a bird flying away he told me that it was him flying away from mom and its time to go out in the world. and live his life with out mom. but dont get me wrong I dont like tattoos for me .....or him
Patricia - posted on 01/09/2012
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I always felt that if they were 18 or older it was their decision since it was THEIR body and THEY would have to live with it for the rest of THEIR life - not me. I did tell my daughter that she should be careful of where she puts it (should be able to cover it up for a job and she should be weary of how her body will change if she gains/loses weight or has a baby) and also reminded her that it was perminent and so she should get something she could live with for the rest of her life (and not her boyfriend's name). On her 18th brithday she got her first tattoo and now has 4 strategically placed tattoos that all have meaning to her.
Janet - posted on 01/08/2012
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I have tats and my 15 yr old dd has been wanting one. I've told her when she turns 16 and if it is tasteful and put in a place that can be easily hidden I'd take her and get one.
RACHEL - posted on 01/07/2012
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I told my sons I have nothing against tattoos with meaning, HOWEVER!!! when you move out your body becomes yours until then I am still paying for it and therefor it is mine SO NO TATTOOS. Also I told them to seriously think about what they put on their body afterall ink fades and I pointed out tattoos of some of my much older friends at all ages. Some of them have their tats for very good reasons and others say 'I have no idea what I was thinking' or 'it was cool at the time'. I also keep pointing out old ugly tattoos though. Remember the uglier the better.
Dusty - posted on 01/07/2012
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I think if he's past the age of 18, you should allow him to get it. If you really are opposed to the idea, just tell him that you won't be paying for it. He will have to pay for it on his own (some tats can get pretty expensive!) Hopefully it's something that has meaning to him. It's just a way to express himself.
Josinda - posted on 10/19/2011
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I am 23 and have two tattoos, my hubby is 25 and has ten. I can cover mine and his are not coverable, unless he has pants and a long sleeve on. My mom made me wait till I was 18 and then made sure it was something I really wanted. My suggestion would be if he wants one make him carry the picture of what he wants in his wallet for a couple months and look at it constently cause once its there its's there for life. I don't think tattoos are a bad thing and are more and more accepted, just make sure they have meaning and are what you truly want before you get one.
Helen - posted on 10/16/2011
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My 3 kids (10,13,15) all say they want tattoo's. Its a sign of todays society. we did try to talk them out of it to no avail so instead I have told them not until they are 18 and to make sure they know what they want cause it will be there forever. I also told them to make sure it can be covered if they have a job interview. I point out people with tattoo's on their neck (hate that) and ask them what they think and thankfully they all think it looks bad. My husband and I both want a tatoo as well but to date havent (too chicken). Once the kids found out we wanted one (and lets face it parents are old and lame, so we get told lol) they have thought twice about it. maybe tell your 19yr old you are getting one see what happens. Good luck.
Sandra - posted on 10/16/2011
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I agree with you on this matter. This is a permanent mark on their body. He needs to respect your home as long as he is still living there. If he is currently attending college, a compromise might be to allow him after he graduates if he still feels strongly about it. Hopefully by this time, he will have lost interest in the idea. You can also talk to him about how tatoos are seen as something negative by most employers.
Sandra - posted on 10/16/2011
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I agree with you on this matter. This is a permanent mark on their body. He needs to respect your home as long as he is still living there. If he is currently attending college, a compromise might be to allow him after he graduates if he still feels strongly about it. Hopefully by this time, he will have lost interest in the idea. You can also talk to him about how tatoos are seen as something negative by most employers.
Jessica - posted on 10/12/2011
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I don't see anything wrong with them. I have to and my fiance has several himself. When my children are old enough and are completely sure they want something on there body that they will not be able to remove, I would probably buy there first one. But thats just the way I feel about it....
Tammy - posted on 10/07/2011
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When my daughter was 14 she wanted a tattoo of her favorite bands name on her arm. She couldn't believe she would ever not love them. Of course I would not allow her to get it. She is now 19 and very glad she didn't and laughs at herself for what she had wanted.
I have 4 tattoos. I am not against them and for her 18th birthday I took her to get one. She had her son's name tattooed on her left hip and I had it tattooed on my leg along with my kids names. I know she will never regret that one. It is small and very well done.
Ruth - posted on 10/07/2011
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I let my daughter get one. She expressed a desire to get one at 16. We told her that if she wanted the same thing, same location in 1 year we would let her do it. It is pretty, it is meaningful, and a now at 19 she is still glad she did it. BUT my husband was in the military and he has 4 tattoos. I have 1. So, we have no objection to ink as long as it is tasteful and applied in places on the body that won't put forth a bad image when in business clothes. I think 19 is old enough to make that decision.
Jennifer - posted on 10/07/2011
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I think we do our adult kids a disservice by not giving them opportunities to make their own choices - especially ones involving their own body. As much as you may dislike tattoos or worry about his future ability to get a job with one, it really is his decision to make.
If we keep parenting our young adults as if they are younger teens, then they will not have the life skills necessary to make it on their own. we can sit down and discuss things with them...give advice,tell them why we are concerned, but we need to leave them space to make their own mistakes. I'm not advocating not having appropriate boundaries or allowing inappropriate behaviors!...of course you still need to expect them to respect you and your home, but I think we set up unnecessary adversarial relationships when we try to control our young adult kids as if they are younger. Too many parents sacrifice relationship to be in control or to be "right". this might be necessary to a certain extent when the kids are young, but not in young adulthood.this is a period of transition, keep an eye to the future.SO yes, its your house and you pay the bills, but you are also trying to tell a young ADULT what to do with their body. Its so hard to transition into seeing our (often childishly behaving) 19 year olds as the young adults that they are!
Terri - posted on 10/04/2011
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While I wasn't thrilled about it, my 18 yr old got one shortly after graduation. I don't love her any less and at least she got it where she can decide whether or not it's visible (upper back/shoulder area). My hubby has two of them that he got when he earned his black belt, so I couldn't really be that hypocritical and put my foot down. I just asked her to be really sure it was what she wanted and not to get something that could be seen when she's dressed for work.
Leslie - posted on 10/04/2011
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I have tattoos and have a dughter who got one when she was 16 with our permission so you would think I would tell you to let him. I ABSOLUTELY do NOT feel that way. It is your home and you pay the bills and feedhim and keep him safe and it is YOUR decision until he moves out on his own! Stand firm your ground.
Leslie - posted on 10/04/2011
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I have tattoos and have a dughter who got one when she was 16 with our permission so you would think I would tell you to let him. I ABSOLUTELY do NOT feel that way. It is your home and you pay the bills and feedhim and keep him safe and it is YOUR decision until he moves out on his own! Stand firm your ground.
Natasha - posted on 07/04/2011
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Guess what girls?
I wrote about the first tattoo on 03/11/2010 . (quoted below)
Since then my son has gone and got himself another tattoo! This time it was the initials VNA. These are the initials of his father, mother (me) and his kid brother. He says he missed us too much when he was at college. Is that emotional manipulation???? Well, now I know he has God and his family with him at all times!!
Its done now so I shall grin and bear it again !!!
********************
03/11/2010
Ah well...my 19 year old who is away in college actually went and got one on his back without our knowledge. We had discussed this issue a number of times and at that time I had told him that we wd talk about it when he was 18. He knew we wdn't like it. On top of that it was paid for by the add on credit card he has been given . He said he knew I wd see it in the bills and thought that would be the best way to break the news to me.
What could I do? He was miles away in USA while I am here in India. had to grin and bear it. Taking consolation that it was on his back (so not visible) and also it was not one of the "wild" ones...It is a Hindu religious sign "OM" in the Devnagri script.
I hope it provides him protection .
Natasha - posted on 07/04/2011
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Guess what girls?
I wrote about the first tattoo on 03/11/2010 . (quoted below)
Since then my son has gone and got himself another tattoo! This time it was the initials VNA. These are the initials of his father, mother (me) and his kid brother. He says he missed us too much when he was at college. Is that emotional manipulation???? Well, now I know he has God and his family with him at all times!!
Its done now so I shall grin and bear it again !!!
********************
03/11/2010
Ah well...my 19 year old who is away in college actually went and got one on his back without our knowledge. We had discussed this issue a number of times and at that time I had told him that we wd talk about it when he was 18. He knew we wdn't like it. On top of that it was paid for by the add on credit card he has been given . He said he knew I wd see it in the bills and thought that would be the best way to break the news to me.
What could I do? He was miles away in USA while I am here in India. had to grin and bear it. Taking consolation that it was on his back (so not visible) and also it was not one of the "wild" ones...It is a Hindu religious sign "OM" in the Devnagri script.
I hope it provides him protection .
Beth - posted on 06/30/2011
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I think your 100% right now... They are forever and giving him some time to think cant be a bad thing...
Amber - posted on 06/29/2011
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My daughter is 6, when she was 2 she went with me to get my second tattoo. Ever since then she's talked about "When I get my tattoo..." and has taken to getting those fake, temporary tattoos to wear all the time! She loves them. I told her when she turned 18 I would take her to get her first tattoo, if she still wanted it. I had rules in place for it though. I wasn't going to pay for it if it was anything 'stupid', like somebody's name, or something just because they think it's "cool". The tattoo would have to have some kind of meaning behind it, deep meaning. The last rule was it had to be in a place she could cover up easily if required by a job. My dad paid for my first tattoo when I was 18, and I see no problem with doing the same. If you really don't want him getting a tattoo, all you will do is push him to get one behind your back and hide it. That's what my boyfriend did with his father. It's better to accept it and know they are going somewhere safe to have it done and make a proper decision on what to get, than it is to push them to going somewhere unsanitary and getting something they will regret later down the line.
Terri - posted on 06/29/2011
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I really did not want my son to get a tatoo. When he moved away to college he got 2. I didn't say much, and actually liked the ones he got. I hope he doesn't get any more. But he will soon be 21, so it is what it is. He had friends that their parents took them to get them and paid for it. I NEVER would have done that.
Rhonda - posted on 06/28/2011
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The rule on piercings were at 16, both girls and boys could get their ears pierced only. Anything else would have to wait until they are 18 years old. The rule on tattoos are you have to be 18 and able to sign the consent paper and pay for it yourself. Quality tattoos are not cheap. Also all tattoos must be in places that can be concealed with clothing, no neck or forearms. I have already figured out that "no", just means later or behind my back. These are their bodies and we can't keep them from doing whatever they want with them. So I've decided that if I make realistic boundaries, those boundaries will be respected as long as they get what they want at some point. So far, so good.
Melissa - posted on 06/28/2011
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Let me preface my answer by saying the my husband is a tattoo artist and own two shops. I have two teenage children and both have been told that the expectation is that they will not be tattooed until they are over 18. Even at that point there will be limits. These are the same limits that my husband uses with his clients. If Florida it is against the law to tattoo a child under the age of 18 with out a notarized signature from the parent. If the child is 16 or under, the parent must be present at the time of the procedure. My husband will not do any neck, hand, face, under the elbow tattoo on any person under the age of 18 whether the parent has approved or not. He tells them that no matter the money he will not put a tattoo on someone so young that cannot be covered. He will often refuse to neck, face and hand tattoos on anyone that is not in the industry. These tattoos can and will hamper your ability to get jobs and overall respect. He will not even do certain tattoos on his employees until the have been in the business a certain amount of time and have made a certain amount of money in the business. A tattoo artist really should be responsible and not allow their art to be used to alter peoples lives negatively.
That being said, parents need to know that a big trend in our society if for people to hold "tattoo parties". This is where you go to your friends house and they invite someone that has a tattoo machine to their home to do tattoos for money. This is highly illegal and dangerous. Hepatitis and a myriad of other diseases are a very real risk that kids are taking EVERY DAY to get the tattoos and piercings that they want. My mom always told me to be careful which hill I choose to die on. If my son/daughter was dead set on getting a tattoo, I would much rather have control of the situation than have to deal with the consequences of the inevitable teenage know it all decision making.
Tammy - posted on 06/28/2011
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I completely agree with you! "Not under my roof!" I would say to him. A tattoo is a big decision, because it's permanent. Just because his friends have them, doesn't mean he has to fall to peer pressure. I suggest that you tell him to go to a professional that can draw a temporary tattoo on him that will last for a while. I think that some tattoo places do that now. This way he can decide if it's really what he wants. And I am not a bible thumper, by far, but, I just thought I should post this anyway: Leviticus 19:28 says "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you..."
Sam - posted on 06/28/2011
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Well, at 19, i think he is old enough. at 13, NAHHHH!!! It is his body and not allowing him to get a tattoo is a little overcontrolling. As a parent, you should just teach him the responsibility of where he should get it (small example...NOT ON THE FACE!! LOL) and how tasteful or non-tasteful it should be. He also doesn't have to get a tattoo cause all his friends have them, but I'm sure you have already used that line LOL!! I have three well thought out tattoos in areas that don't make me look trashy and when i am at work, there is only one that shows but unless your looking at my feet, i dont think it would offend anyone.
If you do consider changing your mind and allowing him, be part of the process. Go with him, be open to what he says but at the same time, he needs to respect that you didnt want this to begin with and that your opinion should count.
Good luck!
Carrie - posted on 06/28/2011
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I have 12 tattoos. So When my nieces and nephews and my 5 yr old asks I tell them when they are old enough to sign the paper themselves which in my state is 18 and can pay for them on their own. I paid for mine. They don't get out of shape unless it's on your stomach and youre pregnant but guys don't have that problem yes they can fade with sun exposure but most places offer free life time touch up. Honestly if he's old enough to do it rather you agree with it or not he can do it. It's great when our kids want our opinions but in the end if they are of age and have the money they can get it any way.
Amanda - posted on 06/04/2011
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I think tattoos are OK if ur kid knows not to get them where they are visible for interviews... that is what I tell my kids
Penny - posted on 04/01/2010
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I disagree with you on this one , He is 19 he is home with you because he wants to be . and the fact he is asking you about the tatt shows he respects you , you should respect his thoughts about getting the tatt. At the end of the day it is his body and he will have to live with his choices . I admire his respect for you . he could have gone out and done it behind your back like so many young adults do , After all he is an adult isn't he .
Rita - posted on 03/19/2010
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My son got his first as a memorial to a friend who died from huffing. A cross with angel wings. He wanted it almost immediately after his friend died. we made him wait a year and find one that we approved of. No skulls or things like that. We did allow him to do it when he was 15. We would not allow another till he turned 18 and then again if he lived with us we had to approve of it. He got one on his 18th birthday that says respect and Loyalty. I do think there is a such thing as tasteful.
Julie - posted on 03/18/2010
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I believe that tattoos are just another creative way to express. I realize that they're a PERMANENT way to do it, as opposed to dying your hair green or getting a mohawk, however, as long as they are done tastefully, I don't see a reason why people should look down upon those that have them. I certainly agree that they should be placed where they can be hidden for jobs, school, or even fancy events.
You may disagree with this, but I let my 16 year-old son get a tattoo while on a ski trip to Colorado. He thought long & hard about what he wanted & it's in a well-hidden place on his chest. He now has 2 fairly large tattoos, and I'm sure he'll end up with several more. Just about everyone in our family (including my 60+ year-old mother) has tattoos, and we ALL work in law firms, insurance companies, are business owners & in the aerospace industries. Just about every person in this family is a successful, well-groomed, contributing member of society. So, having tattoos doesn't necessarily mean that you're white-trash or have to resort to a blue collar job, if you don't want to. Just like any other decision to change your appearance, you must choose wisely.
Kathleen - posted on 03/14/2010
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I personally feel that tatoos are a defiling of the temple that our Heavenly Father gave us to house the glory of our spirits. Now I know that is quite religious of a statement and that you may not agree. However, I do know that tattoos are a permanent representation of youthful impulsivity. There may come a time when your child will regret having it done. I have a brother in law who regrets his Trival tattoo he got on his arm. There are also the sides that someday they will have aged, and so will their skin, which could sag and make that tattoo quite unattractive. There is also the argument of how expensive they can be. If they don't have them done at a reputable parlor, they face the possibility of used needles (from who knows whom) and infections. I know of one person who had an allergic reaction to their tattoo on the tops of their feet. It makes it difficult for them to wear closed toed shoes. So these are are my positions and thoughts on it save one final one. In the end it is your child's choice. They are a legal adult at this point and can do as they wish, despite what you want. Can you dictate what goes on your home? Most certainly. I would feel the same way. I wish you luck and God Bless with helping your child decide.
Ramona - posted on 03/14/2010
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I am old fashioned, no tattoos while living here.
Ramona - posted on 03/14/2010
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I am old fashioned, no tattoos while living here.
Andrea - posted on 03/14/2010
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Hi Kim! Most Moms probably would not agree with my methods, but, I gave two of my three kids tattoos as a graduation present. It worked! So far, I have two out of three graduates, my third is only fifteen. He knows the deal, and is looking forward to his!!
They are tasteful, too!!
Eileen - posted on 03/13/2010
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im 18teen and i got my tat when i was 17teen it took me a while to figer out what i wanted that is why i got it done when i was matrue and i new what i wanted i asked my dad what i should get and he told me something i wont reget getting so i got my sonz name my babys father didnt like the idea that i was marking my body so tell him to think very hard and that he dosnt need to be like his friends
Parizad - posted on 03/13/2010
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I love tatoo for 1st time seeing but its a perment mark which i feel i would not like it. Basically i think i m a person who likes changes.
Melissa - posted on 03/13/2010
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I feel that if you know yer kids well and they are good kids you gotta let them express who they are and let them grow. if that is through a tattoo why not! but still living at home, ground rules for how many and how often should be set. Not every other week end LOL! Good luck!
Kelly - posted on 03/13/2010
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Having come from a tattoo background and heavily tattooed myself, I have experienced teens coming into the studio for their first tattoo. The younger ones were politely told to go away, think some more and/or bring their parents in first! But considering your son is 19, Im not sure you could actually stop him from getting one, once his mind is made up. Why not go with him and spend some time visiting tattoo studios, checking out their work, asking lots of questions, checking obvious hygiene regulations etc. Take time and observe. Make a day of it! :)
Dawn - posted on 03/13/2010
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I agree with you. Encourage him to think on his own and be a leader instead of a follower. Also remind him that some companies will not hire people with tattoos. Stick to your guns concerning this matter.
Gloria - posted on 03/13/2010
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he's 19 that's pretty much an adult i know they don't have all the faculties yet but if he really wants one and he is paying for it i would let him lets face it he really doesn't need your permission he's being respectful and asking that right there says something don't you think well keep in mind this is just my opinion and you really don't have to listen to it so good luck with it
Diane - posted on 03/13/2010
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I saw a wonderful cartoon where a teenaged boy was on the phone saying "She says I can get a tattoo, but it has to say 'My mother is very disappointed in me'." Loved it.
My kids are grown, and tattoo-less. It was never an issue, but my approach in general was one of respectful conversation rather than making rules. Although my most hard and fast rule was that they had to speak to me respectfully - I wasn't a softie, but I think parenting where you both are honest and respectful works best.
I also find it works best to listen first, and let them know you've heard. I'd probably ask what he had in mind, what the appeal was, and somehow say that back to him so he knew you understood, vs. just getting ready to make your case against it. Like "So, let me see if I understand you - you think they look cool, you feel sort of weird because your friends have them and you don't? Like you're a nerd or something?"
Then I'd say, "Can I give you my take on tattoos, and then we can decide where to go from here?" (Maybe he'd say "I already KNOW what you think!" Which may be true. If he answers in a snotty way, I'd say "I know both of us have gotten in the habit of talking to each other in a way that's sometimes rude, but I'd like to work on that. This is a tough time for parents and kids, when you're a teenager, starting to be more independent and wanting to make more of your own decisions, and I'm trying to find the balance between doing what's best for you and letting you go. There's always friction around this time - it's very normal, and even though I want to throttle you sometimes (my words, jokingly, with my kids; you might want to say "even though I get mad at you sometimes") I still love you, and I always will. We just need to figure out how to go through this part of our lives without being nasty to each other. So, I'll try to stay respectful of you, and I'm asking you to do the same. If things get ugly we can remind each other to take a break and cool down."
Sorry to go on so. I also told my kids, as they were entering adolescence, that it might be rocky, that they'd decide I was an idiot but it WOULDN'T BE TRUE. And that they'd think I stopped loving them, because we'd probably fight more, but that also, would never happen, and that this is how kids and parents can stand to separate.
Re: the tattoo: I'd say "What I notice is that people form opinions about people with tattoos that are visible. Maybe you don't care about that, but down the road it might make it harder for you to do something you want - some job, maybe. I know lots of people have tattoos, but lots don't, and in some places the ones without would win out, and the ones with tattoos would be seen as less-educated, or less "classy". I know the tattoo has nothing to do with the quality of person someone is, but the fact is people form impressions based on what they see.
The other thing I worry about is how permanent they are - is there any way to know what you'll want on your skin in 20 or 40 years? Would something like a henna tattoo, that wears off after a while, work for you? Or a tattoo that would be covered by your clothes? (Might defeat the purpose, if it's sort of a bad boy badge of honor. . .)
Somebody should invent tattoos that wear off after 5 years or something. Genius!
I guess I'd try to negotiate with him to either get a henna tattoo, or agree to waid and think about it for 6 months. And the fact is, some kids just go do it without permission, and life goes on. And it IS more common, and will thus be less alarming to potential employers, but I think it does put people in a certain slot in the public mind - a little low-class and uneducated, sort of like seeing people smoke. Can limit your possibilities/social circles.
Good luck.
Braiden - posted on 03/13/2010
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Well, as long has my children are living under my roof they will follow the rules. I really don't like the idea, because if God wanted us to have drawings on our body, he would have put them on for us. And that is how I feel about that.
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