Tattoos on teens - opinions pls

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Cam turned 18 in December, and is really keen to get a tattoo. (He has wanted one for several years already).

Warren is quite conservative with things like this, and his initial reaction is "no way - not whilst you are under my roof".

I'm a bit more liberal (in fact would love to get one myself). The LAST thing I want is that Cam goes behind our backs and gets one done, and the conditions are unsanitary, or the artwork is bad, and he's stuck with it.

The only stipulations I would make are:
- top of arms / chest / back is OK - anywhere that there is the SLIGHTEST issue with not being able to cover it up for work and school is not allowed.

- nothing controversial - I'd prefer he waited until he found some artwork that means something to him personally, but failing this I would steer him towards a celtic knot, or a tribal design.


What's your opinion:
- YES - if he wants it done, support him and make sure it's done RIGHT

- NO - Dad's word is law, and if he goes behind our backs and it turns out badly, then it's his fault.

[pitc9]

I vote YES, help him! Make sure it's done right!

[Vela]

I would really try to discourage him, because I really don't like tattoos, but if it's what he really wanted, being 18, I can't stop him and would try to help him get it done the right way if that's really what he was going to do.

[DrKym]

My Daughter Tiff married at 17 and of course her hubby took her for the one she wanted (right between the shoulder blades) now 2.5 yrs later she hates it, and swears she wished she had waited, I agree help him, but also to remind him it is PERMANENT! he can always GET one but getting one off is expensive and painful I am told.

[borzoimom]

Well I agree with your point of a 18 year old, especially a young man, without your conscent getting one in a not so sanitary situation. And also as long as it can be covered for working etc, that would be fine with me. I will admit a tattoo on a woman gives me a quick eyebrow raise, but see nothing wrong with it for a man. My step son, the ex marine has two. Very tasteful, and mostly able to be covered. ( on his arm, and his chest.) Please remember- at 18 they are able to be drafted so they are adults. They can also vote- he does not need your consent, and all we can offer is opinion..
My daughter is now 21. All I can do is advise, and I have found being supportive not only has her more honest with me about adult problems to "discuss" with "mom"- but also having her trust, I know more what is going on with her. ( she lives 60 miles away.) I would have to say yes, and offer to help him find a good tattoist. Remind him he will have this for life, so it needs to be done WELL... And where ever he puts it, if the muscle mass behind might change with age, he needs to consider that as well. I think the upper arm is pretty popular..

[catnapper]

I feel tattoos are fine if its something they've thought long and hard for. My son wants a bulldog on his ankle. He's wanted it for years but we set the parameters and he hasn't met them yet (he's 20 and knows dad's word is law) So when the day comes that either he's out on his own or he met the parameters (has to do with grades and a few other things) when he finally does get the tattoo, it'll be something really significant and he knows its a concept he'll relate to no matter his age.

If I got a tattoo at 18, let me just say it would have been removed many moons ago because what was important to me then is something I can't even relate to today... chances are it would have been a heart, a peace symbol and a happy face drawn inside a double lined rectangle. I LOVED that drawing and drew it everywhere (peace love happines.... sweet concept but it seems so teen-ish now) Sure the concept of peace love and happiness is something I still dream of today but I think the drawing is silly and I'd never want it on my body.

What I'm saying, approve the drawing the ensure its something he will still love as a mature adult. He might think a cartoon character is cool, but will he in 15 years? 30 years? I love watching thoise tv shows about tattoo shops and laugh at how often people come in for new tats to cover up old ones. Many are covering because they were simply badly drawn, but most cover them up because they don't relate to the meaning behind it anymore.

[Kfamr]

If he is 18 and doesn't need your money to get a tattoo, I'd imagine you have no way of stopping him, as he can just go behind your backs and do it anyways. My sister was not allowed to get her belly button pierced according to my dad, however, she did it anyways and they had NO clue!


I'd say research with him, go with him, and make sure it's done in sanitary conditions. Try to make your husband realize this point, too.

[sirrahved]

"The not under my roof" argument never flew with me.

I think a much better approach is reasons why you wouldn't want him to get it done such as:

It's something that is with you for life. How do you know you will feel the same way about the design 50 years from now?

Health risks- has he checked the credentials of the shop he's interested in? Talked to people around that have tattoos? I've found that you need to do this on top of looking at the artist's portfolio. The tattoo artist only picks his BEST work for his portfolio!

Have you thought about the way it may make some people view you differently?


If he has mature answers for all of your questions, then he should be able to make the decision for himself. If he's still in a mindset where he acts childish about your questions, then request that he hold off a while before deciding.

Whatever you do... don't ban him from doing it. It's the best way to ensure he comes home with some band logo in the middle of his forehead

[critter crazy]

I think as long as he goes to a good place, and chooses something that he will always ejoy seeing then it is fine. But like others have suggested, he needs to make sure that where he puts is, will not interfere with his carreer. I got my first Tattoo at 18 and wish i had put it somewhere else. but other than that i love my tats, and will conntinue to get them.

[moosmom]

I have 4 tattoos. I waited till my Dad passed away (I was 45) till I got my first one, a heart with "Dad" in it. He had tattoos from when he was 17 years old and in the Navy. He was adamant about not getting one, saying they are permanent. He told me a story (trying to discourage me from getting one) about the time he waiting for a parking space. A guy came along and took his spot. My father found another spot, got out of his truck and the guy looked at his tattoos (he had 3 of them, all on his arms) and the "NRA" sticker on his back window and said, "I know all about you biker types!" and ran into the store.

All of mine are very well hidden and can only be seen when I'm wearing either a bathing suit or tank top. 2 of them are on each hip, so no one sees them unless I allow them to. I never regret having them done.

I agree with everyone. As long as they're done professionally and tastefully, maybe down the road he'll see differently.

[Husky15]

I agree with Kay, you probably couldn't stop him, so it's best you research with him and go with him. Or maybe just put your foot down. I mean, I wanted a lip ring, but my father said that if I get one, he will kick me out, and my parents are pretty lenient about body alterations, so I knew he meant business. Needless to say, I wont be getting one.

[wolfsoul]

I say yes! If the conditions aren't sanitary, he could get HIV or something else. I think it's fair the he can gets one as long as it's in a place that can be covered -- which he may thank you for in the long run!

[TFTpwnsYou]

I say go with him. I begged my mom since I was like 12 for one, and at 16 it was my birthday present. He is 18, but it is always better to have someone go with you on that very 1st trip. I'd say just discuss, and even though he knows it's permenent to get something that he will forever love because it is a big decision. Find some shops, check them out, ask to see their work and such and how they go about with the tattoo. If they're not willing to show you then well that's a no. And discuss about putting it somewhere it can be covered for work as you said. It is better so support on something like this than to try and fight it. Us kids have a way with things, and don't necessarily make the right choices. Good luck on that though.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

I'd go for yes - he's 18 not 8

[PJ's Mom]

Let him do it. I made my kids wait til they were 18 to do anything like that and my daughter and I went to have our first tatts done together.