Should I let my toddler get her ears pierced?

Question

My wife has been begging me to get my 3 year old daughters ears pierced. She respects me and hasn't done it yet (though she tricked me one day with magnetized earings!). I'm very reluctant about it, for one I don't like the look, she's a little girl, there will be a time when she wears real jewelry and makeup, but it's not right now. I'm thinking this should be done as more of a "coming of age" thing.

Answer 1

no no no i work at a pediatricians office and had many toddlers and babies in for choking badly on them/////

Answer 2

I completely understand how you feel. I used to work in Claires and that is a jewelry store that pierces ears. The 3 year olds were just old enough to be scared and they wouldn't let ou get the second ear done. You could get them done at he same time but in all honesty, they are so much work to take care of them, you might as well wait until she can make the decision for herself.

Answer 3

I agree, I think it should a coming of age thing. I like the idea of your daughter and her mother (or even her Daddy) for that matter going to the mall, when she is older, together maybe for a birthday or as a reward of some kind, to get her ears pierced and buy some special earrings.

Every baby girl often has her ears pierced, but to me, its less stress for me to NOT have to worry about them getting ripped out, or infected if I just wait. its no big deal if your daughter doesnt have her ears pierced.

Answer 4

Well your wife might be thinking it is easier on the little one to get it done now. My mom wanted to when I was little but waited then when I was 10 and wanted them I chikened out at first and took 2 years for me to do it then i had a lot of problems keeping then cleen. My first daughter, she is now 8 I did it right before she was one. Had no problems and now she does not like earings but her holes are still open so when she is ready she can. The holes do not bother her at all.

I want to get my 17 months done but just don't have the extra money.
It is up to you as the parents, it is not a bad thing, Talk to your wife and see why she wants this now. You may be supprised.

Answer 5

You've asked a question no one can answer for you. It comes down to your own sense of values.

The next time you notice a child in public appearing in a manner that you consider to be inappropriate -- make-up, hair, clothing, whatever -- check to see if the parent looks the same. You may often see a connection.

Now, look at your wife and ask yourself at what age you'll be okay with your daughter dressing like her mom. That's your guideline.

My daughter won't be wearing jewelry until she's a teen. The exception I draw is with dress-up clothes at playtime (when she wears all sorts of things, including a firefighter's outfit, a viking helmet, etc.). We don't have play earrings, but do have a few bracelets in our dress-up box.

Answer 6

I think of it this way... on one hand, having my ears pierced at the age of 2 1/2, I don't remember a thing. If it hurt, I don't remember. I would have had it done later anyhow. On the other hand, I pulled on my ear rings as a young child and have scars (ripped holes) from doing so. For that reason, if I ever have a girl (I have a boy & another one on the way), I will wait until she's older and then let it be her decision.

Look at how nasty this looks & show your wife....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12379977@N04/2091922680/

Answer 7

I agree,

I am a firm believer in saving things til kids ask for them,
Eg.. waiting toil she asks for her ears to get peirced, and Opposing a tatoo,

Waiting to allow her to wear make up,

I also think that certain clothes should be restricted,

Just my opinion,

I have 3 sons, I can't comment from personal experience,
but I haven't allowed my sons to peirce their ears even tho MY X wanted to do so,

If I had a daughter I would LOVE the look but consider more realistic options,
Like playing sports and possibly catching the earring on something causing and injury,

I really believe its best just to give it time,

M

Answer 8

You must be very traditional. You sound like my dad and he's almost 60. My daughter is almost 3. Her auntie got her diamond earrings trying to get me to pierce her ears. I have decided to let my daughter decide. When she tells me that she really wants her ears pierced I'll do it, no matter the age. I've asked her several times and she says no at this point. Good luck!

Answer 9

I thought the same as you, but my daughter started asking for earings at only 2 yrs old. I gave in and she had them done. She cried when they did the first ear. She turned and lt them do the other without even asking! She looked at them in the little mirror, and loved them! Alot of pain to clean them. She was good with it, but you have to clean them and turn them 2 times a day if I remeber correctly. Infected ears is NO fun at any age. We were lucky not to have them. Anyway - I love them now, she loves them, and whenever you decide, just go somewhere where they do them often. Make sure the marks are even on both ears. (Mine have never been level since I had them done at 7 yrs old.) I even believe some pediatritians do pierce ears. Good Luck, and either way you can't go wrong.

Answer 10

No, wait until she is old enough to want them pierced! Let her make the decision. It will probably come sooner than the "coming of age" you mention which sounds teen aged. Third grade or so sounds right if she really wants them pierced at that time.

I can't stand it when I see parents who have given little kids earrings, crazy haircuts and adult clothes! Let the kids pick out their own styles when they get older.

Answer 11

I totally agree with you. I don't see why small children need their ears pierced. I got mine done when I was 16! I know in some cultures it is a tradition and I guess that OK if its part of your culture. Why do we need to let our kids grow up so fast. Save something like this for when they're older so they have something to look forward too. If you let them do everything young then what do they have to look forward to that they haven't done yet except the things we don't want them to do!!! Good luck and stick to your guns if you really feel strongly about it.