How do you feel about tattoos?

Kathleen - posted on 03/09/2010

he is 19 and if he can pay 4 it y not but, please advise him 2 go 2 a professional! i was not 2 smart, i let inexperienced people do mine and i would do anything 2 have them gone!

Dawn - posted on 03/09/2010

I have a 16 and a 19 year old. My 19 year old already has tattoos and is regreting 2 of the 3. Both of them want to get one together. I told my son he had to wait until he was 18 and to really think about what he wants because he couldn't erase it when it got old. I have one and thought about it for years before getting it. I have told them both to write down there favorite things and that I would have my brother draw them something including both of there ideas so that it would be tasteful and unique. they have bot agreed to do that and to wait for 2 more years. I don't really agree with meaningless tattoos but I think that if you have put thought into it and it has meaning and placed where it will be covered easily they are OK.

Brenda - posted on 03/09/2010

I personally have a strong dislike for tattoos. I can't imagine having something on your skin for the rest of your life! I don't think they look very classy or professional. However, I have some very nice friends with tattoos. It is just not my preference.

Becky - posted on 03/09/2010

I agree. Have you had him look and tattoos mistakes and what they looked like once they were removed? Just a thought.

My children are 16, 143/4, and 3.

Becky Marroquin

Jane - posted on 03/09/2010

Ya know I have the tatoo conversation about once a week with my 16 year old daughter. I've told her the possible consequences of having one that shows and how people will judge her and then I just have to tell her when she is 18 she can make that decision. I have seen high school students who have them and we live in an affluent township. He is 19 and legally he can get one without your permission.

Sparkie - posted on 03/09/2010

My daughter started asking for a tattoo when she was 15....she settled for getting her bellybutton pierced. She is an A student, Honor Society, softball player, and a very responsible young lady. She doesn't wear belly shirts and the only people who knew she had it was our family until summer came around and she would go swimming.



She asked for a tattoo again when she was 16. I said "no". I have 2 tattoos and my ex (husband at the time) has a bunch of them.



She wanted a tattoo for her 17th birthday. She is the most responsible teenager I know. She doesn't work because she is the driver for my 14 y.o. son who is involved in many activities....I work downtown and just can't transport him all over town. She has kept her grades up and doesn't run around town being a wild child. And, the fact that she still wanted one even though my ex has them (she truly HATES him) made me realize she was serious. So, for her 17th birthday I got her a tattoo. I found a great place (Lady Luck in AZ) and the artists were wonderful. She got a beautiful peace symbol with some embelishments...anyone who knows my daughter knows why she chose the peace symbol.



A few months after her 17th birthday she bought her own tattoo....with my permission. It is bigger than I would have liked but it represents her dad, her brother and I. She paid for it. BTW, her tattoos cannot be seen unless she chooses to let you see them, that was my rule. Compromise.



Now, for her 18th birthday she and I are getting matching tattoos. =)



Like many others have said, pick your battles. My big question for most of you is: What magically changes from the age of 17 to the age of 18? People always say, "when your 18 blah, blah, blah".....do they mature overnight? My guess is if they are irresponsible 17 y.olds they aren't going to turn "responsible" at 18 years old.



Just my opinion...but, then again, I am a cool mom. And, a great mom, too.



Also, she wants piercings on her face....I said "no"...they do not follow the "can't be seen rule".

Gwen - posted on 03/09/2010

I think you should let him. But be a part of it. (I agree with the other mom's who had their children get something with meaning.) Go with him. That way you can guide him through it. You would not believe all the people who are getting tats. Might surprise you.



This is what I did with my two boys who are now 19. At 16 they were asking for tats. I told them that when they turn 18 I will take them down to get their first one and pay, IF they waited. They did not like the thought of waiting. However, one did and the other did not. Guess which one has the reqret? Yes the one who did not wait. The one who tried putting his girlfriends name on his ribcage. He only got the "A" and "M". Of course he was very put out when I took my other son, who waited, to get his first one. Odd as it may sound it is a great memory my son and I share.



I don't believe things such as tats and piercings should be done before the age 18. Not that 18 is the magic number. Their still teenagers. However, when by law they are legal to get it on their own and most likely will whether we approve or not, I believe it is better to have us there for guidance than them going in "willy nilly" and getting something on impulse. I had to talk my son out of a tat or two before he chose the final design. If your son has waited this long and is talking to you about it I believe he may give it some thought on what he gets. Be a part of it. You don't want him hiding it or going and getting one when out with his friends. Who knows where they would go and what he would get.



My husband and I both have tats. (not a lot) My husband has a very good job in the business world working with lots of people from all different walks of life. Goes to business meetings and travels. Obviously they are not very visible unless he wears a short sleeve shirt. But it has not stopped him from advancing in his job.

Susie - posted on 03/09/2010

O.k. I must be the rebel here. I don't think having a tattoo is all that bad. God told us to adorn our bodies so I say go for it. My daughter and I both got tattoos together the day of her High school prom. I will say to stay conservative in the area in which you display though. In the words of my mother, remember your wedding day. I am the first to disagree with blowing off the seriousness of a business meeting. I think there is a time for displaying and you don't want some ugly markings down your arm and all over your chest. I would rather my child express their individuality with a pretty tattoo than holes all over their face or hooking themselves up on drugs and hiding...

Patricia (Patty) - posted on 03/08/2010

i agree

Christina - posted on 03/08/2010

My reply to this is my 16 year old wants one and i told him when he turns 18. I cant tell him not to get one whan i have them myself. But he will pay for it and i have told him that they stay there for life.

Jennifer - posted on 03/07/2010

Well, my son is 16 and he asked me last summer about a tatoo...I was really against it but after talking to a couple of people realized its just "ink" The real issue is whats inside of him, who he is, and whats in his heart that matters. When we all die someday people will remember who we were as people, not the markings on our bodies. As long as his heart is in the right place, that is my concern.

Georgia - posted on 03/07/2010

In my generation, (I went to high school and college in the 70's) tattoos were still considered a badge of rebellion, that usually had to do with gangs and sexual experience. With my kids' generation, it is a cool statement of who they are or even just a fashion accessory. In the Old Testament, God told the Israelites not to get tattoos. There are a lot of Old Testament commands that Christians do not follow today, but I prefer to go by this verse: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).My 22 year old daughter has tattoos. I gave her the Biblical reasons not to get a tattoo, saying are you giving glory to God by permanently marking up your body? I told her how older people like me would perceive a girl with a tattoo, and I asked her to imagine her Grandma and friends with tattoos on saggy skin. She did it anyway as soon as she was legally old enough. I will say my daughter loves the Lord and is a witness and encouragement to those around her. I just wish her body wasn't permanently marked!

Debra - posted on 03/07/2010

Ask him what he wants a tattoo of and then help him find a good clean tattoo shop to have it done at. If you keep putting rules and limits on the tattoo he will go and have it done just to spite you. Many of my friends have tattoos and they are beautiful works of art. I am scheduled for my first tattoo at the end of this month, to honor my father.

Jenneane - posted on 03/07/2010

Fine with it. 20 years ago a friend of my husband fell/pushed form a train. He hit his head on a pylon and was found the next day dead. His parents were in Perth not Victoria.

This friend was supposed to spend Christmas lunch with his uncle and when he didn't turn up he just thought the kid was out somewhere drunk and just forgot.

I remember on the news they were asking about if anyone knew this guy that fell from the train. 2 weeks went by and the family weren't too worried, he was 18-19 at the time his mum and dad were still in Perth. 3 weeks went by and they were starting to worry a little. The media had a picture of this kids tattoo in the paper.

This is how they identified him. The uncle saw the tattoo and called the morgue.

I would hate to think my child would never be "found" and stuck in a morgue somewhere. So I have no problems with tattoos.

However I have told my kids if they want them they have to mean something. Jesse has 3 tattoos and they all mean something to him. Shaun also has 2. one is his daughter name on his arm.,

I have one. It is a dove with freebird on it. It means alot to me and I know if I went missing and the only way they could identify me was by my tat then I am happy for that.

Sorry if this is long winded.. but I would hate not knowing what happened to one of my babies.

Missy - posted on 03/06/2010

Ok, I have no problem as long as they are over 18 and paying for it himself. My son (who turns 20 this month) has one on his arm with his initals. As long as its tasteful. I did remind him that he will live with it forever. But I cant say too much since I have one on my leg.

Jill - posted on 03/06/2010

Our 14 year old talks about wanting to get a tattoo, I told him when I get one-he can get one, I will be 47 this month, and have no plans in the near future of getting a tattoo. I told him he may think it would be cool to get one, but as he grew older, he may have regrets. If he ever wanted it removed, I understand that to be very painful.

Once he is old enough to make mature decisions on his own, and is not dependent on me to provide transportation, clothing, housing, school fees, food, money for the movies and other entertainment wishes, and other life needs, he would probably be old enough to decide if he wants a tattoo.

Jennifer - posted on 03/06/2010

I love my Tattoo. It's a cross with my four girl's names on it. I bought my daughter hers at the same time for her 18th Birthday. My only rule is they have to be 18.My 2nd daughter is about to turn 19 and has no interest in getting one. Voice your concerns to your son but in the end at 19 it's his decision. With or without a tattoo he is still your son with the same heart and soul

Maureen - posted on 03/06/2010

My son is a boyscout, in choir, drama, track team and football, He is also the class president and on the honor roll. My son wants to get one when he turns 18, I figure there are a lot of worse things he could do. We just have told him to make sure its located where he can easily cover it if necessary since there is still a lot of negative stigma attached to tatoo's. Its his body.

Cyndi - posted on 03/06/2010

Two of my grown sons have gotten a tattoo. I am not really a tattoo person myself but I actually designed the one tattoo for my son and it has to do with family...a celtic knot and birthdays of he and his brothers with mine in the center. It meant a lot because I raised them and it was nice he made it a permanent part of himself. I think times change all the time and as parents you should weed through the things your older kids want to do and accept some of the unconventional things that perhaps weren't so "accepted" in your day. Your kids will appreciate you more and accept YOU more.

Amy - posted on 03/06/2010

Honestly I have several and can cover them all up for work. I am of the opinion that its their body and they should be able to do with it as they want.

Terri - posted on 03/06/2010

My 19 got a tatoo on his 19th Birthday. I did not want him to have it, but it doesn't bother me now that he does have it. I guess it was important to him, and it's his initials, so it's O.K. I have ask him not to get any on his forearms. He is a good kid, so I choose my battles, and this is not one of them.

Maria - posted on 03/06/2010

hmmm..that's a tough one. Our 17 year old daughter wants a tattoo. Fortunately, there isn't a self-respecting tattoo artist in NY state will even touch anyone under 18. We allowed her get her nose pierced - that's it. We can't say she can't get one since both my husband and I have tattoos. Mind you, they aren't the first thing you notice on us and wouldn't notice them unless we pointed them out to you. Placement of the tat is very important as well. I was working for a very conservative, upscale law firm when I got mine. So I had it placed on the inside of my ankle, 2 rosebuds and the colors of my girls' birthstone colors so it's very tasteful. Also with tattoos, they can be addicting so he could want more soon after getting the first. I do believe that if you're going to get one it should be something meaningful. As a matter of fact, I plan on getting another one soon, 2 white roses held together with a rosary in memory of my father and grandmother. This one will also not be something that someone notices immediately. Placement and size are key factors when making the decision to get a tattoo. As for the pain? I've gone through childbirth twice and I'm ecstatic with how that turned out.

Kirsty Norris - posted on 03/05/2010

as i have tattoo's i can't exactley say no but my best advice is to tell him to really think about it and you always get a little one where nobody can see it

Kathleen - posted on 03/05/2010

Way to go! I agree with you...We have always told our kids that when they are on their own, supporting themselves completely, they have the independence and financial control to make those kinds of decisions--it's called full adulthood!

Alanna - posted on 03/05/2010

simply put, it is his body, so his choice. Why ? not till he moves out ?

Cassandra - posted on 03/05/2010

Well to be completely honest. I have a 18 yr old son (just turned a week ago) I allowed him to get a tatoo when he was 17 of his daughter's name only because of the fact that her being his daughter will never change. If it wasn't for that reason he would not have gotten a tatoo until he was able to pay for it and was moved out of my house.

Michelle - posted on 03/05/2010

So at 19 he's allowed to vote for who runs his country, but he's not allowed to decide what he does with his body?

Barbara - posted on 03/05/2010

No way! When you are at least 21 and supporting yourself and paying your own rent, you can do whatever stupid thing you want. If you get a tatoo or do some other stupid thing before that time, you will be on your own!!! No Exceptions!!!

Renee - posted on 03/05/2010

I have a 17yr old and she wants a tattoo and has wanted one for years, I would like one for myself as well, but I tell her I am taking my time and thinking about, but she needs to wait until she is 18 and she can pay for it, just choose what battles you want to fight, good luck

Nakia - posted on 03/05/2010

Hello Kim. Let me first say that I, myself, have 3 tatoos. My husband also has tatoos. I have a 15 year old daughter who I have talked to about tatoos as well. I don't have a problem with tatoos and I would rather support my daughter than not. I see so many kids out there doing the craziest things and I told her that if the worse thing she can come up with is getting a tatoo, I will be there with her when she gets it. I want to help her choose a reputable place to go and get her through the process. I feel like if I am not there for her, who willl be. I think that tatoos are an artistic expression of the person who gets them. My career is in law enforcement and my tatoos have not hindered me being successful in any way. They are placed in areas that can be covered up by my uniform. My suggestion is to talk to your 19 year old. See why he wants to get a tatoo, what he wants to get, and where? Open dialogue is always the best. You may find out something about him that you didn't know. I know I did when I sat down and talked to my 15 year old. Good luck!

Marci - posted on 03/05/2010

My daughter just turned 17 and that is what she has asked us to get her for her birthday. It represents the loss of a very dear uncle and I do not critize her at all for getting it. Myself and my husband both have several tatoos. My which are not visible when I am at work. She knew that she wanted this exact tatoo for several years. It is very easily hidden to not affect her chosen profession. I would rather her go with my husband and myself that to look for just anyone who would do it. I trust my artist very much and they guarantee their work for a lifetime. If you place it in the right spot you do not need to worry about weight gain, sun damage and so forth. Tatoos are also very easy to remove now a days if they regret the decision, it can be reversed.

Tiffany - posted on 03/05/2010

I feel nothing is wrong with a tattoo if your at the age. He is 19... but the question is... is he paying for the tattoo?

Lana - posted on 03/05/2010

My 18 year old daughter wants a tattoo for graduation. I personally do not have a problem with her getting one as long as it is tasteful and in a place that she won't regret later in life. My feelings regarding your son are that he is old enough to get one without your permission and could likely do so by someone who is not a professional. If he is livng off of you and not paying his way, I would not pay for it. If he is employed that could be another story. Sometimes you have to pick the battles that you want to fight. Compromise can be a good thing. IF he is adamant about a tattoo, set guidelines for him. I have talked to a lot of adults who got ghastly tattoos when they were young and now regret it. By the way, my husband has two tasteful tattoos on each arm that he got when he was in his 30's. His mom complains about them all the time.

Julie - posted on 03/05/2010

This is always a touchy subject. I have a 17 year old son who has a tattoo. I told him the same thing as the other post I've read: You can get one when you move out, when you pay for it yourself, be careful where you put it, blah, blah, blah. What it really comes down to is your relationship with your child. I don't agree with his decision, but it was something very personal to him and he paid for it. He doesn't go around flaunting it, but it's a reminder to him of choosing the right. My relationship with him is strong. He knows he can discuss things with me that I don't agree with and that I love him unconditionally. Our discussions about him having a tattoo has opened doors for other important decisions in his life and for that I am grateful.

Ruth - posted on 03/05/2010

I let my 17 year old daughter get one. We had size and body location limits. Plus we made her wait 1 year after deciding what she wanted before we signed the parental permission form. I am impressed that a 19 year old boy even cares what you think about this. Wow! He doesn't need your permission and yet he is respecting your feelings about it? That's awesome.

Michelle - posted on 03/04/2010

He obviously respects you enough not to get one even though he is legally of age to do so. It's only a tattoo...it is his body, it's really not hurting you any. As long as he thinks long about what tattoo he wants and where...I think it should be totally up to him. It is his decision that he will need to live with for the rest of his life. My daughter just got her second tattoo...they are both very tasteful. I am very proud of my daughter, and if they are a good person, a tattoo isn't going to change that!

Cheraki - posted on 03/04/2010

Some people do and some people don't like tats.. I myself have 2 and I plan on getting at least 2 more at some point.. My husband has one and is wanting another.. My stepson who is 26 has sleeves... Our 15 year old daughter is wanting a tat.. I told her all the risk and told her to pick out a design that she would like and that if by time her 16th birthday came around and she still wanted that design we would let her get it... We would take her to a good, clean artist.. One who gives you, your needle they use so you will always have your needle and not have to worry about getting someone elses. We also told her the importance of seeing them open the needle for peace of mind knowing it's new and it's clean.. not one someone already used.. I would rather know what my child is doing than for any of them to do something behind our back. Even my stepson comes to us and tells us what he's getting before he gets it.



I would rather and I'm sure some will disapprove of what I am fixing to say next.. But, I would rather let my teens get a piercing or a tat... instead of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle at a young age.. At least with a piercing or tat I would still have my child..Unlike if they got in a fatal accident..



I have also learned that the more you tell them not to...the more they are gonna want to do it.... and the more you say you're not ;.... is usually the kids who do it to show you they will and then tell you.. I think communication is very important in all situations..



Sit your child down and ask them why they want it so bad. Is it just because everyone else is doing it? Does it have a certain meaning behind the tat? Listening is a huge factor.. Tell your child to wait for at least a year and if they still want the same design after thinking on it for a year then give them your blessing..



Once a child turns 18 unfortunatly as much as we like to be in denial yes, we are still parents however we can tell them but legally they don't have to listen..

Be glad your child is talking about a tat and not talking about the girl he got pregnant....



Have him write down all the pros and cons of getting a tat.. Encourage him to get a tat in an area that can be covered if it needs to be.. (Like for a job)...Have him do research on the artist he chooses to make sure that artist is reputable.. and clean..



Good Luck & Best Wishes

Mandi - posted on 03/03/2010

I have a few of my own. I was in my 30's when i got them.. My little sister got one at 18. My dad and step mom knew she was gettin that one. and she came home with another one that they did not know she was gettin. that was a problem. BUT she is 18. I feel that if u tell them NO at 18 or older. they will get them and u will not have a clue and they will not go to a clean place. I am a fan of tattos. My kids went with me to get them. Dose that mean i am a bad mom .? No. and dose that mean i will let them have one before 18 NO!!! they are just tring to find there self.. let them.. just tell them to get them in places they can cover them up for a job..

Alison - posted on 03/03/2010

When I was eighteen I didn't want a tatoo. When I turned 21 I wanted a one and got for my 21st birthday. Because what my mom felt about tatoo's I didn't tell him for awhile and now understands I'm over eighteen I will do things that she doesn't like but she will give her opinion. Even if you pro bide him do that make him more to do that then if let him do that. Especially when he is nineteen he will do it sooner or later.

Peggy - posted on 03/03/2010

I personally don't mind tatoos as long as they are responsible with what is put on their body. My husband and I both have tatoos and are taking our 15 year old son for his first one this weekend. We have talked about this many times before. I felt he is old enough for one and we would have to approve whatever he got since we have to sign our consent. I suggest sitting down with him and talk it over. He is 19. Technically if he has money he won't need you to sign anything. I say go with him and see what idea he has and let him know that you are supporting him but let him know your view point on tatoos. It don't make him a bad person for having one. In fact most people get them to honor events in their lives. My opinion is that they are fine as long as it isn't full of sex related stuff. An armband or something simple would do. That is what my son is getting. Hope this helps. Good luck. I would rather you be on the same page as each other than him be out with friends and get the tatoo anyway. That would cause arguements at home.

Melanie - posted on 03/01/2010

i think that as long as he still needs mom and dads help like living with you, you buying his groceries, paying for the power and water he uses, he shouldnt get one. hes clearly not adult enough to do those things so i would think permanently marking his body is something he should reconsider.

Wanda - posted on 03/01/2010

OMG he is 19 its his body not yours . If he wants a tattoo then seriously who are you to tell him he cant .. Yes your his mother but he is now an adult and can make his own decsions. How does getting a tattoo really affect you if its not on you, telling a person they have to be moved out if they want a tatt is ridiculous omg it doesnt change who they are or how they act it does'nt even affect your relationship with your son in any way shape or form. My parents Hate tattoo's and gave us the speach on them too but we all grow up and make our own descions in the end and a couple of us have them and it has not changed our relationship with our parents they love us regardless of the markings on our body seriously we all get some sort of body piercing and that too is marking your body . pictures or holes in your body mmmm pretty much the same thing it all defaces the body we were not born with ear rings in our ears and yet 90% of the female population have a peircing some where. so do some men . so a tattoo well yes its there for life and u cant get rid of them but his body is his and as long as he gets something that is not offensive or stupid then who are we to say weather our children should or shouldn't get them ...

Dianne - posted on 03/01/2010

My son has 2. The first one he designed himself and is very black and thick. Not something I like, but the other one is a snakeskin band around his bicep and it is rather nice. Thank God I don't have to live with it. I did pierce my ears and have never regretted it.

Shirley - posted on 03/01/2010

We Have the same policy at our house.

Teens change thier sense of style and wants like thet change socks. A tat is there for life. we a firm on tats & unnatural piercings .If they want to deface thier body, they can do it when they are on thier own.

Jodi - posted on 03/01/2010

My oldest is 19, last summer he took a day trip to a bigger town about 2 hrs away with a couple of friends.Found out in the next couple day's he got a tat. Yes I was disappointing, but I also have chosen to pick my battles. There could of been worse choices he could have made besides a tat.

Kitty - posted on 02/28/2010

I've told my son that if he still wants one when he's 18, I'll take him myself. I'd rather have a say in what he gets, than for him to go sneaking around about it and end up with something horrible.

Patricia - posted on 02/28/2010

Tit for Tat

Well, at age 17, my son wanted a tattoo....being that I have "ONE". and the man that I'm with has about thirty, I sat my son down and we talked....I got my first tattoo when I was 46..I along with my father who at the time was 71 and my three sisters all got our first tattoo together...we all got a family tattoo. And just this past year, my sister had thyroid cancer and my 71 year old mother got one in support of her. I told him that if he did get a tattoo, that I would not only go along with him, but I would also pay for it under one condition...that I had to approve of the tattoo...his design was a cross with a banner on it with the letters G & G (representing Grandma and Grandpa my parents) How could I not approve? Since than, he has gotten one more...one that also has meaning...and one that he saved up to buy. Since than, I told him that until he finished school and found a better paying job that he was not to get any more. He understood and I think because I allowed him to get the two he did, he has since been satisfied. Oh he still talks about his next tattoo, but I told him that if he wants to continue living here, that he could not get any more...so far so good..Tattoos when in good taste and in an area that if need be, can be covered is beautiful art work of ones life...but again, they also have to keep in mind that 20 years from now, that they may regret their choice of tattoos...than it's too late....

Amy - posted on 01/01/2010

Tattoos and piercings are extremely personal and obviously, everyone has a different opinion on them. I know my parents made me wait until I was 18 to get one, only because your tastes change and they didn't want me to rush into it. I have five now. My son, whom just turned 18, told me back when he was 15 that he wanted one. I told him that as long a she takes awhile and really thinks about what he wants, when he turned 18, even if living under my roof at the time, I would allow it. The only catch is that I would take him for it because I want to research the tattooist first...assure they use the most hygenic methods, and are experienced and reputable. I would not let any of my kids get them before 18, though.

Leslie - posted on 01/01/2010

Well, My 18 yr old son would never do this he hates them..on the other hand my sixteen yr old daughter keeps begging me to let her get one & it's not happening!!! I do not have any myself ,but my husband has quite a few & i do like them IF they are tasteful..& only one or two, but I will never sign or allow her to do such as long as she is in my house ..what she does when she is grown, an own her own is another..but I hope & pray, she realizes from all the talking about it, that they are there forever & If it's done you cannot take it back & that when you are old it's not cool anymore !

Nina - posted on 12/31/2009

I have 2 teenage sons, one will be 18 and the other 19 next month, my oldest has 2 tattoos, one he got a few weeks after turning 18 and the other I took him my self to get about 5 months ago, even got one myself when we went. My youngest son can not wait to get his tattoo next month after he turns 18. I don't see what the big deal is, as long as they go to a clean place to have it done and place where they can cover it up, for work, school, ect... I would much rather know that they were having it done then for them to hide it from me....After all its their body and they are gonna do it no matter what you say if they are old enough....Life doesn't end just cause they choose to get some type of body art....