I was born in Beirut, Lebanon to a Lebanese father and American mother. Mom's idea on the subject, was wait till Souraya is old enough to decide if she wants to have her ears pierced. Dad's idea on the subject is it won't hurt her now and if in the future she doesn't want to wear earings, then she doesn't have too, plus the culture encouraged it. The very next day at the age of 2 days, my ears wear pierced! Never had a problem with them. I don't wear earings very often unless I am getting dressed up for something.