Comments

• Debbie Forrester, Memphis, TN 10/01/08

  OK, I know I'm going to get a lot of flack about this one, but I am taking my son next summer to get a tattoo for his 16th birthday. He has to adhere to the strict guidelines I have imposed (i.e., can't be anything derogative, has to be in a place where it can be hidden (such as shoulder, upper arm, etc., and I have to go with him). I have 3 tattoos... and I didn't get them until I was over 35! They are all discreet and tasteful. I love them and so does everyone else who sees them. Before you judge me, I have to add that I am a professional in the legal industry and definitely don't portray the image of a "tattoo type". My son also has type I diabetes, and I have spoken to his endocrinologist who gave me the ok. One thing that is important for parents to know about tattoos - there are several states that do not allow them on minors under the age of 18, even WITH parental permission. We happen to live in one of those states, so I am taking him to get his during our annual beach vacation in Alabama. There are also strict laws that tattoo shops must adhere to. Of course, there are always exceptions to every rule. The key is to do your homework, check out the tattoo artists and TALK to your kids. Sometimes there are far larger battles to fight.

• MARY SULLIVAN, Beverly 10/01/08

  My daughter is 13 (going on 30) and keeps harping about getting piercings (more than one) and tatoos. I have told her no (in no uncertain terms) until she is 18. She assures me that on the day she turns 18 she's getting a piercing. She did go behind my back and pierced her ear a third time herself. She lost her computer for a week and you would have thought it was the end of the world. I told her if she did it again, her computer would never see the light of day. STRESS!

• Stephanie Coviak, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 04/21/08

  My son got a tattoo and didn't tell me for a month. He has always been very easy and I was very surprised. This is the first time he's done something he knew I would not allow and the first time he's not told me what he's done. He was in more trouble about that. I was disappointed. He got driving privledges suspended and has one week to really clean his room. He was surprised when I wouldn't let him take the car - this is the first time he's not been allowed to drive.

• Katie Leiva, Alexandria 02/22/08

  Mine will turn 18 on Sunday and she is determined to get her nosed pierced on that day. She also has plans for an additional tattoo. (She got her first when she was 16 - without telling either parent). We feel we cannot stop her and that this is not a fight we want to have. She knows how we feel but we have too many other fights to let this one get in our way.

• yvonne allsopp, Mount Vernon, NY 02/16/08

  Wow, I'm right here is the midst of this "situation"; I appreciate finding out that some parents will say yes and others just stick with no!
  My teen actually downloaded info about infections and for a hot second that stopped her from wanting the tattoo. Unfortunately we are still having issues about the chin piercing. Again, No is working for the moment!