How do you feel about tattoos?

Lisa - posted on 03/13/2010

Having a small tatoo myself, I guess I don't see a problem with it. However, I would advise my sons to make sure the tatoo artist was qualified and had a good reputation. Also, I would make sure they know that where they have the tatoo put is important! Some employers do not like tatoos! I think getting a tatoo is just a way of expressing ones self, just like what kind of clothes you wear or jewelry you buy. Just my opinion.

SAKEETA - posted on 03/13/2010

My son is nearly 17yrs he has expressed an interest in tats, my husband has 3 and each one has a special meaning. They each represent a new stage in his life, he is getting another one to commemorate the death of his mum. Most tats have a meaning for the person wearing them, i would ask your son what he wants and why, ask him to draw a picture of it and hang it on his wall so he can see it everyday. After 6mnths or so if he still likes it and it has a valid meaning then i don't see why not. we are doing that with our son. hope this helps good luck.

Candy - posted on 03/12/2010

I am the mother of a 14 year old that plans on getting tattoos when she is 18 and body piercings.....I told her that as long as I own that body there will be no mark but when it is not mine anymore she can do what she wants as long as she pays for it.....I have 2 tattoos myself and have regreted getting them for a few years and have explained that but she just thinks I am old (53).....She says she will wait til it is legally her body to do what she wants,,,,

Kate - posted on 03/12/2010

I got my tattoo when I was 19. I had wanted one forever, but didn't even bother asking my parents until I was of age. By the time I was 18, I knew they couldn't stop me, but I also knew it was a big decision. I waited one more year before getting one, and have never regretted it (I am now 32). I chose a place on my body that isn't always exposed (on my back, between shoulder blades) so I can cover it anytime. I am a professional, and I just happen to have a tattoo. It is become more and more acceptable as an art form, and not as a mark of some dangerous sub-culture. If he is responsible in most other aspects of his life, if he is paying for it, and if he understands that it is something that will most likely be with him forever, I think he should be allowed. It's a good sign that he even has dialog with you about it, being that he is legally an adult and technically doesn't need your permission. Good luck!

Becca - posted on 03/12/2010

I GUESS IT DOES NOT BOTHER ME ONE WAY OR THE OTHER,SEE I AM A TATTOED MOM.TATTOOS ARE A WAY FOR US TO EXPRESS OURSELVES,I HAVE A DAUGHTER THAT WANTED HER BELLY PIERCED,SO I CHECKED PLACES OUT FIRST AND FOUND A SAFE,CLEAN PLACE TO HAVE IT DONE.YOU COULD CHECK OUT SOME OF THE SHOPS AND FIND ONE THAT IS SAFE AND CLEAN AND TAKE YOUR SON YOURSELF TO MAKE SURE IT IS DONE RIGHT.

Fiordaliza - posted on 03/12/2010

I dont think is a bad Idea at that age and the least he can do it with out your permission in many places at least he had the curtisy to ask...

Marquita - posted on 03/12/2010

First I think its very mature to ask you and respect your wishes, not to get one. You do know he is old enough to get one w/o your approval? So regardless of what you decide, I think it is admirable for your 19 yr old to seek your approval first. Personally I have no problem with tattoos, and think IF the child is old enough to understand that they come with a sense of permanency (tattoos are painful to remove), in certain groups or social circle they are seen as low or degenerative class and there are employers 'frown upon' tattoos (that can be seen), and if your teen has made a rational and informed decision regarding something that will be there the rest of their life then isn't it the responsibility of the parent to trust that you have raised them well enough to handle the consequences of their actions.

LaShron Shonnie - posted on 03/12/2010

Well, personally I don't have a problem with tatoos. I have a few myself. My only rule was wait until you're 18 and can sign for yourself. My daughter asked me to go with her when she got her tatoo at 18. She wanted to make sure it was something that I approved of. Your son is grown and he could get one without you knowing. At least he came to you first.

Jayne - posted on 03/12/2010

I have 5 tattoos on my body which I really enjoyed at the time. But there are a few of them that I still love but there are a few that I wish I NEVER did and not at 49 yrs of age I am looking to have them covered with something new. So if you get a tattoo I feel that you really NEED to make sure this is what you want for the rest of your live and god do not put men or woman's names on your body as they may come and go but the tattoo is for EVER. So really think and plan it out and then wait for a year to see if you still want it after that year is up.



Jayne

Vicki - posted on 03/12/2010

Basically my conversation with my girls was get a tattoo and I will sandpaper it off. I meant it too. I feel that is marking the body in a way that God does not want. I also feel very strongly about body-piercing too. I will not allow them to get that either. I told them that I would rip the piercing out if it was anything besides the ear. They know I feel strongly about it, and they respect me to honor my rules. My oldest daughter has chosen to start smoking when she went off to college, and when she is home, she does not smoke on our property. She honors our wishes and respects us that way, and we respect that she is old enough to make her choice to smoke but away from our house.

Heather - posted on 03/12/2010

Tough one. It all depends on the moral standards you have and have raised your son with. I agree with the majority on the fact that he is over 18, but also agree with the "out of the house" scenario. If he can afford atatto, he can afford to be paying you regular "boarding". He should contribute to his home, his car, insurance, food, extras come after all of the responsibilities are paid for in full. If he continues to want one, I, again, agree with encouraging him to have it placed where he can cover it. Tell him you will have to go with him to get it--that alone may change his mind! ;) Good luck.

Lorna - posted on 03/12/2010

My son also wanted a tatoo when he was 15 because all his friends had at least one. I scared me to death. My pastors wife directed me to this scripture which actually worked. Ephesians 6:1-3. NIV. My 28yr old did wait until he went into the military to get his...He was out of our house.

Cathleen - posted on 03/12/2010

Well me personally I would let my sons get one if they wanted, I told them when they turn 18 they are free to do as they wish with their bodies! I say this because I have several tatts & to say other wise would be hypocritical!

Menequa - posted on 03/12/2010

As a parent with three tatoos if your child is of legal age and is mature enough to have the knowledge of the procedure, then I believe it's their choice. It's so difficult raising kids in this generation, you as a parent have to be so much more opened minded than back in the days.

Ashley - posted on 03/12/2010

I am a mom with tattoos, myself. My son is 14 & has never actually talked about getting 1. I did not get my 1st until I was 23 yrs old. In my state, you can be 18 & legally get them. I don't regret getting them. There are too many other topics that I worry about teaching to my son, other than body art. Like sex, drugs & aids. If my child decides to get 1, I will still love him & not judge him. People with tats are still good people & have hearts. My mom still loves me. We go out in public as a family & go to church as a family.

Heather - posted on 03/12/2010

I feel the same as alot of the other moms...18 and outta the house. My now 16yr old daughter asked to get her belly button pierced at 14..we let her and she still loves it but she has since expressed some interest in tatoos.....I draw the line on something that is permananent!!! The piercings can be taken out, tats can't!!! Good luck

Tracey - posted on 03/12/2010

oops I pressed post too soon.
Take your son to a tattoo parlor run by a someone who can explain what a tattoo means, how it will look in 40yrs (a long time for a 19yr old I know). And how it does hurt.
Tell him that you would rather he does not get one but if he must something tasteful that can be covered. Tell him to choose a few and then think on them for a few months, it is a life long decision. Something that is there forever.
I love guys with tatts but they must be tasteful. My man has one or two I don't like and he regrets but it's done now. And removal with leave a scare that would look worse.

Tracey - posted on 03/12/2010

I have 2 tattoos and want at lest one more. My first above my right ankle. The other one is my husband's name, which I had done on the first anniversary of his death. I want one of a dragon with my son's name and birth date. I may also have the birth date and angel day date of my husband Ron. But all can covered by clothes.

Heather - posted on 03/11/2010

I think a tattoo is a LIFE choice and that's how I address it with my kids. I talk to them all the time about consequences of their actions -- some of them are good and some bad. For my son, he may have the perception that a tatt will get him a girl or make him more attractive (and maybe initially it will) ... but long term will it affect his rating on the dating scale? Will it affect whether or not he is hired in the professional world?

Once I give him my ideas, - I let him make the choice and live with the consequences. That said, I DO have lines for some things (DRUGS for example) where I have a zero tolerance policy so I completely understand where you are coming from. It's a personal choice as to where you draw the line between where you give him personal room to grow within the boundaries that you are willing to live with/watch happen.

Good luck with it!

Denny - posted on 03/11/2010

as a mother of a 26 and 18 year old, I always told them both when they were old enough to understand the life long commitment,of this added feature on thier body, then we would talk.Both my kids have tatoos that are not taky or nasty or even hard to look at,I would rather my kids include me in thier life than to hide things from me or me to find out something about them from some one else.Things seem to always work out!I may not always agree with them, BUT no matter thier choices or markings I have unconditional love for them.At the growing age of 18,they are and will make choices with out us! Let them grow

Brenda - posted on 03/11/2010

I feel that after the age of 18 and if the pros and cons are discussed and you are open with your teen you can both decide on the best outcome. I find it hard to just flat out tell my 18 year old no on such a subject. I did take her to the place where I got my tattoo and she spoke to the experts their and they explained that it is a permanent mark that will always be there no matter what and she really needs to think hard on what it is she will be marking her body with. That was 4 months ago and she has yet to bring it up again. So I guess what I am saying is I have found it easier to relent a bit and allow her some leadway, this gives her sense of responsibility in making her own informed decisions.

Andrea - posted on 03/11/2010

I guess it depends on how sure you are that you want to take on this fight, and what you are prepared to do if he does get one. At 19, he doesn't need your permission, so if he comes home with one are you prepared to make him move out??? I'm just saying that if you make a statement, you need to be prepared to back it up or it has no "teeth".. So, decide if you think this is something to try to enforce, then determine if you can enforce it. It's fine to tell him you'd rather he didn't, but it's his body. If you are supporting him, you can tell him what you will or won't pay for in the future if he gets it, but be prepared to do what you say... for instance, you could tell him that if he gets a tat, you will no longer pay his car insurance, or cell phone, or if the car he drives belongs to you you can say you'll take it away, but if you wont follow through with it... why bother. Just tell him how you feel and in the end the decision is his.

Marquetta - posted on 03/11/2010

Well, my opinion on that situation is if you are working and you have the money to buy it, that's on you, but remember when it's time to go into the real world to go look for a job, depending on were you have the tattoos you might not be considered for that job.

Melanie - posted on 03/11/2010

Hi,

Well it sounds like you are not a single mom. But since he is already 19 I think that you should probably just expect that he is more than likely going to get one anyway and try and hide it... I'm a single mom. And unfortunately like tattoos and have a few of my own. So sadly when Isaiah turned 18 he just went out and did it, because I said those bad little words, "When you are 18 you can do what you want if you have the funds". Gosh I could kick myself....

Cynthia - posted on 03/11/2010

strange i notice so many of you saying their tats will fade and mis-shape as they age, maybe if they put it on their belly and have kids or something but anywhere else this does not happen. i have 5 tats, the oldest on is 20 yrs old, it was done by an award w inning artist and ppl still to this day say oh that is a nice tat did you get it recently. it's full of vivid colour, its an appropirate size, its something i designed myself so it has alot of meaning to me, and it still looks great. no regrets.

under 18 tat shops are not legally allowed to tat someone without parents permission in writing, but 18 and up, they are legal adults, they can get tats all they want. not an opinion but a fact.

i would educate with the correct facts if one of my kids wanted a tat, have them wait til 18 and advise on making sure they choose the design wisely, both what it is, and its size oh and where it is placed. its nice to wear a tank top for example to show on off, but be able to wear sleeves in a professional setting when you don't want to show it.

Cynthia - posted on 03/11/2010

i think once 18 and legally an adult a person has the right to get a tat or piercing or whatever it may be (that does not involve respect issues) as they please.



i got my first tat when i was 18, mind you i also moved out on my own at 18 too.

Natasha - posted on 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 .

Amiee - posted on 03/11/2010

I have tattoos and am a supporter of them. I would discuss that they need to really think about what it is they are choosing to put on their body forever. Really think about it and not just get one on a whim because they are the 'in' thing. Then do the research on the artist as well. If they see work they like on someone else-ask them who did it.

Jacquita - posted on 03/11/2010

I feel that he is an adult and can do as he wishes. Out of respect to you while living under your roof he should wait. I have several tattoos, but out of respect to my parents I did wait until I was on my own, even then my first one was frowned upon, but could be lived with. Getting a tattoo is a life long commitment. Yes now days there are ways to remove tattoos, but why get one just to have it removed later. Something else to consider is placement and how is getting a tattoo going to affect future job offers. My children want tattoos that is fine, I am not going to pay for them, I am not going to pay to have them removed. Think long and hard before going under the needle and make sure you are ready for the life long commitment.

Tammy - posted on 03/11/2010

I am not suprized by the amount of children that want tatoos. As I am not suprized by fact that most children that have parents with tatoos, will have them. I feel like maturity and life style plays a huge roll in if a child gets a tatoo. They obviously need to think long and hard about who they are and what they want out of life. Instead of the worring about changing their apperance at a such young ages. They seriously all need to mature before they do anything to their bodies. I really feel they will make an uneducated choice and make a mistake they will end up defending the rest of their lives that is if they live an accountable lifestyle that is.

Keke - posted on 03/11/2010

We all pick our battles as parents and pretty soon he won't need your permission to go out into the world and do what he wants. Have you asked him why he wants one? It might not be too bad. At 19 years old, I'd probably say it was okay as long as it could be covered up when necessary

Dawn - posted on 03/11/2010

My husband is a tattoo artist. When a minor comes in (WITH PARENT) , type of tattoo, size and location are discussed. He won't do things like pot leaves, names (unless its a fam. member like Mom, Dad ...) and random silly objects. He also will not put a tattoo where it would be visible and not real large either. He does explain to both the parent and minor why. If they can't come to agreement, he simply won't do the tattoo.

I think as long as its well thought out , meaningful and not huge, its acceptable. I mean, if they come to you and ask, thats a good thing! Because the next step is to go do it anyway....

Dawn - posted on 03/11/2010

My husband is a tattoo artist. When a minor comes in (WITH PARENT) , type of tattoo, size and location are discussed. He won't do things like pot leaves, names (unless its a fam. member like Mom, Dad ...) and random silly objects. He also will not put a tattoo where it would be visible and not real large either. He does explain to both the parent and minor why. If they can't come to agreement, he simply won't do the tattoo.

I think as long as its well thought out , meaningful and not huge, its acceptable. I mean, if they come to you and ask, thats a good thing! Because the next step is to go do it anyway....

Patricia - posted on 03/11/2010

Right on Trish....My 18 years old has two as well, and I made it clear that even though he was 18, that I would hope that he would (and did) put a lot of thought into before doing it. And even though I was not too excited about his second tattoo, for him, it was his representation of one wearing the heart of the sleeve. But he took great time to design it and paid for it himself. A heart with barbed wire around it, with demon wings is how he views wearing your heart on your sleeve....I guess that's what happens when someone hurts your heart.....at least it wasn't the name of the girl right?

Trisha - posted on 03/11/2010

my oldest is 14 and no none of them have tattoos yet but they all want them when they are old enough

Trisha - posted on 03/11/2010

i guess i disagree with most moms. my husband is a tattoo artist. i believe when they are 18 it is there choice. as long as they are on their own, have a job to pay for it, and are not behind in supporting themselves.if they are not on their own that they have the approval of their parent would be appreciated. (with my own kids i am not as picky cause their father will be giving them their tattoos. So it would cost them anything. They just have to be sure of what they want.) I know many 18 year olds that went crazy with tattoos cause their parents didn't ALLOW it. now they are under 20 with a dozen tats. i think that is too much, they should be pacing themselves. My husband just sleeved his arm but he is 32 years old. and have been working on it for a long time. Tattoos are self expression they have been around since ancient times, There is nothing wrong with them.

La Vonta - posted on 03/11/2010

Tattoos are a way of expressing oneself. I feel it is a choice that sholud be considered way before someone just runs out and gets one....as to the age of consent....as a parent you need to figure out if you child would get one from someone who does them bootleg...if they would than it would be better to go with them and get it done by a professional...but if your child is just asking your opinion...then listen to them and educate them. Sometimes our kids want to get our reaction or acceptance before really going through with it.

April - posted on 03/10/2010

I feel pretty strongly about this subject, since two of my three kids have tats now. The youngest is 18, still living at home and my son is 20, living on his own. I've had very open and frank conversations for YEARS with my kids about tats and piercings...how they will look in the future, how they affect your future career/job, how other people view you, where is the best place to have them, have them done professionally and in a clean/trusted environment if they are going to get one. I feel like at 18, even if they are living at home, they get to choose. They get to vote, right? or be drafted if they are male? Who am I to say over 18 what they can and cannot do with their hard earned money. Have a tattoo put on is not disrespecting my home or me. If I haven't taught them well enough by 18, there isn't too much more I can do.



My daughter's first music notes tattoo is very discreet and no employer will ever see it and the one she's getting on her back for her deceased father won't be seen either. My son has probably ten by now, all coverable by long sleeves and long pants. He took my advice and isn't getting any on his neck, hands, wrists or places that would affect him in the future.

Mary - posted on 03/10/2010

I have 5 tatoos myself, I'm not against them, but the rule of the house was: when you move out you can do whatever you'd like. My theory is they can never blame you by saying "look what you let me do"!!! My son wanted a tattoo when he was 16 he is now 26 and doesn't have any. We also told him, to make sure if he got one to make sure the person & place was clean (INVESTIGATE") and to put the tatoo somewhere he could cover it up if he needed/wanted to.

Lycan - posted on 03/10/2010

i'm a mum of 5 and i have tattoos, I didnt get mine till i was nearly 40, but me kids have been talking about getting one, i tell them to NEVER put names on you unless they of children coz partners dont want to see someone elses name, i remind them its there for LIFE, also to be sure what they want cause they cant change their mind when its done. I tell them that my tattoos is my journey in life and i didnt mark myself till i was older and knew what i wanted.. i wouldnt stop my kids from getting one BUT would try and make them wait till they in their 20's but if they wanted one earlier i would state they get one that they cant see if wearing a t-shirt because it could stop them from getting the job they want.

Anea - posted on 03/10/2010

when I was a teenager I also wanted a tatoo. My mom said no... no reason, no room for compromise... just No. I spent from then to now looking for an artist I liked and trusted and finnally found one and have 2 of 8 tatoos done that my daughter has drawn. If it isn't perverted, hateful, or gory I don't see y not. My daughter now wants one and this is what I did. I thought my mom was unfair... she still hates tatoos... I have told my daughter to research the art.... research the local artists.. pic designs and let me help her choose. I also have told her she will have to earn every penny by doing chores or getting work outside of the house. We have a peanutbutter jar that holds the money untill there is enough. I have also made her look up removal just in case she hates it later and talk to others who have them now. Being I have 2 I have learned that peer presure is the wrong reason to get one. This is y I am making her talk to others first. This process might help you and the ones he talks to... make sure its not his friends that have one already... they obviously had their say. Tattoos have so many reasons.... I may disagree with some of it but I know why I have mine. Make him clearly tell you y and then hear himself say it. I am helping my daughter get her start in the art industry... and its my way to have her near me and let her go too. His will hopefully be something as thoughtful .... not selfish. I support body art if its for the right reason.... some of it is grewsom.... but some of it is cool. If we could get rid of greusom... I would be happy.

Anea - posted on 03/10/2010

when I was a teenager I also wanted a tatoo. My mom said no... no reason, no room for compromise... just No. I spent from then to now looking for an artist I liked and trusted and finnally found one and have 2 of 8 tatoos done that my daughter has drawn. If it isn't perverted, hateful, or gory I don't see y not. My daughter now wants one and this is what I did. I thought my mom was unfair... she still hates tatoos... I have told my daughter to research the art.... research the local artists.. pic designs and let me help her choose. I also have told her she will have to earn every penny by doing chores or getting work outside of the house. We have a peanutbutter jar that holds the money untill there is enough. I have also made her look up removal just in case she hates it later and talk to others who have them now. Being I have 2 I have learned that peer presure is the wrong reason to get one. This is y I am making her talk to others first. This process might help you and the ones he talks to... make sure its not his friends that have one already... they obviously had their say. Tattoos have so many reasons.... I may disagree with some of it but I know why I have mine. Make him clearly tell you y and then hear himself say it. I am helping my daughter get her start in the art industry... and its my way to have her near me and let her go too. His will hopefully be something as thoughtful .... not selfish. I support body art if its for the right reason.... some of it is grewsom.... but some of it is cool. If we could get rid of greusom... I would be happy.

Christine - posted on 03/10/2010

as a christian mom and a training minister ,my son also ask to have a tattoo, so i quoted this scripture for him in Leviticus 19:28 and ask him if he is willing to sacrifice eternal life for the things that God does not approve of . he is sixteen and is no longer thinking about it

Melinda - posted on 03/10/2010

I love body art and have a single tattoo myself. My daughter (13) and I talk about her getting one when she's older, but there are conditions. 1.) 18 years old. 2) She pays for it. 3) She finds a good artist. I will take her when/if the times comes. For my household she doesn't have to have moved out but you are perfectly within your right to ask your son to wait till he's out from under your roof especially if he's not paying you rent.

Pamela - posted on 03/10/2010

My house it is 18 yrs. old to get one. However, i have 4 kids, and 3 boys all want them. I am not against them at all, but i believe it has to have a special meaning. You can't just get a winnie the pooh tat. I myself am getting one at 40 yrs. old of a breast cancer ribbon for my mother, my sister and niece and nephew all have one. I believe it is remembering that time in our lives when we found out how much we can come together as a family and how strong our love is. My boys understand that, and I would be right there when they get theirs. tats don't make you a bad person, your actions do. It is a piece of art you take with you like a picture in your memory. you get to share with other ppl that see it. just my opinion.

Tracey - posted on 03/10/2010

I have given my daughter the same advice I was given before having my first tattoo. Have a picture of the design you want somewhere youwill see it every day for 6 months. If after six months you still want it then get it.

Make sure the tattoo studio is clean and has been regularly inspected by the health department.

Cindy - posted on 03/10/2010

My daughter got her tatoo at 18 she is a legal adult

she paid for it

She got a small anklet with 3 charms

it looks OK

Just make sure that the place they want to Use is CLEAN and in good standing

If he is 19 He may do it with out you knowing..

i don't like Tattoos myself ,My hubby wants one also i told Him NO!! lol



My concern as well was When you are 80 and your skin Sags or you get Fat how will your Tattoo look then?.......

Emma - posted on 03/10/2010

i got my first tattoo when i was 18.i think as long as its done correct and somewhere that can be covered up you should let him,or he may do it any way

Synamin - posted on 03/10/2010

I would let my kids get tattoos if they want them. I have 22 myself, but they all have meanings behind them. I personally see nothing wrong with them. My 16 year old daughter wants one and I told her when she turns 18 if she still wants it I will go with her to get it.

Amy - posted on 03/09/2010

I have 2 children 17 and almost 19. My rule was they could get one at the age of 18. My 18 yr old had put a lot of thought into his tatoos. He now has 3. He has them where he can wear a t shirt and it will be covered up. If you talk to your kids about what and where, I feel it is no big deal. They know that it wont look the same when they are older, nothing about ourselves will be the same when we are older. What does it hurt? He is legally an adult. Sometimes you have to pick your battles. You might be suprised what he wants. My son got one on his heart as a memory of my dad. Myself, I do not have one. I am to chicken. lol