What advice would you give your child if they asked to get a tattoo?
When you see your idols inked and glamorous, it's no wonder that teens want to get inked as soon as possible.
When a young mind sees the likes of Demi Lovato, David Beckham, Miley Cyrus, and Lionel Messi with incredible tattoos, there's bound to be a time, sooner rather than later, when you as a parent will be approached for permission. I doubt many parents will be prepared to answer this question, especially if you have no tattoos of your own.
Read: Are you trusting enough to let a 12-year-old tattoo you?
But the time may come and it's best to be prepared...
If one of my kids wanted a tattoo, I'd hope they would come and chat to me about it first. Having ink myself, and a few I am in the process of removing, I would want them to understand that making a spontaneous decision is not always as great as it seems at the time. For me, tokens of love are small and will be much easier to remove than say a big piece of ink.
Read: KZN shares pictures of their most inspiring tattoos!
Placement is also important, and in my journey I have found that I am not happy being inked on my fingers, but have no problem with the tattoos on the inside of my wrists. The symbols for my kids on my fingers were done with love, but when I have to shake a stranger's hand, it feels like an overshare - it's hard to explain the feeling.
It's important for teens to also note that not all tattoo stories end well. Go to the wrong place and you could be scarred for life (in terms of an infection).
Read: Ear tattoos: Would you ever consider getting one?
According to IOL, these are the things you need to discuss with your teen before the final decision is made:
- Inform them of the health risks
- If they do get the tattoo, they need care and attention
- The reasoning behind the tattoo
- Could the symbol or wording be offensive to another person
- Are they willing to live with it for the rest of their lives
From my point of view, in a nutshell, be sure that the tattoo you want is fueled by meaning or sentiment, placement is key, you must use a proper artist to get the work done, and, most importantly, you have to go to a clean and hygienic place.
I hope that if my kids choose to go the ink route, I will be a part of the process.
If your child wanted a tattoo what advice would you give them or is this a big no, no for you?