How do I control my children's filthy habit of getting tattoos and body piercing?

Question

They look like a freak show now but they think they are cool.
I ask them what they want me to buy them for Birthdays and Christmas and its always some of the above mentioned items.
I and my wife do not subscribe to this but we usually give them a blank check as they are pretty honest about not over charging our bank account.
I can't complain in their behavior as they are not in trouble with the police and both have good jobs that pay a living wage.
I just wonder if they are going to get their children the same treatment? well, whats a parent going to do?

Answer 1

I don't look at tattoos as a "filthy" habit.
I am college-educated, a home-owner, a responsible Mother of two children (who are on their school honor roll), and the PTO Treasurer among many other "titles," and I have tattoos. One is rather large, whereas the other is just a few inches in area. They are on my hip and shoulder blade, respectively, and are seldom seen by others unless I'm wearing a swimsuit or a tank top. I do not "hide" them, but do not flaunt them, either. They are simply "there." I don't feel that my choice to have tattoos diminishes who I am and what I have achieved.
My children have seen my tattoos, and being children, vacillate between thinking they are cool and saying it's gross. Their decision to get tattoos will ultimately be theirs, since they will not be able to do so until they're eighteen. But I would never dismiss their tattoos, piercings, or other modes of appearance as "filthy habit(s)."

Answer 2

That's a tough one.
The truth is you cannot control their tattoo and body piercing habits.
You don't have to like it, but you certainly need to come to terms with it and accept your children for who they are.
It is ashame that this generation has chosen to express themselves with such permanent symbols, if you will, but nevertheless by living in this country they have the right to do so.
As a parent all you can do is remind them that when they are 50 oor 60 they are likely to look at what they have done to themselves and regret it. Your role is to educate and hope they make the right choices. One of the most difficult parts of being a parent is watching your children make the wrong choices. You and they will survive. Don't worry so much about what other people think of them. Just be proud for the good accomplishments that they make.

Answer 3

Just nod and smile. You don't have to agree with what they're doing, but if they're not troublesome, then you're absolutely doing the right thing in letting them have the freedom to express themselves however they want.

P.S. If they are ever unsure of whether to get a tattoo or a piercing, try to talk them into the piercing. Honestly. The piercings can come out later in life with minimal effect, but tattoos really are permanent.

Answer 4

It sounds like you have well adjusted kids. I wouldn't worry about it. If they are happy, then you should be too. You should be proud you raised responsible kids. Too many don't turn out that way. You can only hope they do the same for their kids, but only time will tell.
My mom was always against tattoos and piercings too. Then she found out I had a tattoo and my sister had her bellybutton pierced, and realized not only hoodlums and gang banger get them she relaxed a bit. She actually go a teeny tiny rose tattooed on her ankle a couple of years ago. To me tattoos and piercings are just another way of expression. Some people do get addicted to them and cover themselves which can be shocking to look at, but that doesn't make them bad people. I had a friend that had everything pierced and dyed his hair multiple colors and had several tattoos. He was interesting to look at, but he was one of the nicest people on earth.
Focus more on the character of your kids and less on their appearances.

Answer 5

This is a tough question, I myself am a parent and have both. I however was in my 20's when I got them. I thought I was certain that I wanted them, but today I don't show them off like I used to. I am not at all embarrassed about them, in fact my husband is 30 and is still getting tattoos. His tattoos both bare his childrens names and B-Days. To me tatoos are okay if they have meanings that will signify certain times in your life. If they are of things that seem cool to you at the time (like a naked lady or demons), They might not be so cool when you eventually have children and they question you later in life. I remember being a young girl and seeing a neat pirate tattoo on an uncle, I always wanted one. Glad I did not get one now! My daughter idolizes her father,and is forever drawing on her arms, she is 4! I think I may be in the same boat as you in the future...Good luck to me and you!

Answer 6

You are the parents.. giving teenagers blank check is like handing them a gun with bullets in the chamber.
Where is your backbone?
You honestly think a teenager with tatoos and body piercings is not getting into any trouble? Just because they haven't been caught yet doesn't mean they aren't doing bad stuff. Tatoos are a gang thing and just because something is supposedly cool doesn't mean its for the best for your kids.
A really good job doesn' t let their employees paint or pierce themselves to disgust the public, so don't tell me they have a really good job.
If they are over 18 and you dont' approve of what they do why aren't you telling to move on or are they paying you rent and you like the extra money?

Answer 7

I don't know they seem pretty set in their ways. I don't think their are going to tattoo their children when there born or anything extreme like that, but they seem open minded and will probably give their child the choice of tatoos or piercings.

Answer 8

Let them be themselves-it is just a form of expression, most tattoos are beautiful works of art. Some people grow out of this stage but, some never do, just accept them as they are they sound like good kids.

Answer 9

At some point, around age 26, their brains will mature and they will begin to see the folly of their actions. They sound like decent kids. It may be difficult, but don't harp on them about their decisions. Advise, yes; but don't get bent out of shape. After all, it is their skin, not yours.

Answer 10

Nothing you can do. Children at that age are wild and they dont know any better, maybe their kids will be the same way. Its just their personality, it seems like you have raised them well since they are good kids.