I have kind of an offbeat theory on teens who want body piercings, different hair colors, etc... I was just wondering what everyone else's take is.

Ok, when I was in highschool, my parents pretty much let me do whatever to my body. I had my nose, tongue, belly button pierced. I had all sorts of stupid hair styles and colors... My best friend, on the other hand had very strict parents. They always told her that she couldn't do any of that stuff until she was out of the house.

Well, I got everything "wierd" out of my system. By the time I was an adult, I didn't have a desire to look different. Therefor, I had no problem getting a good job and whatnot. My best friend, on the other hand...the day she turned 18 got her belly button pierced. Flash forward a few years, we're now 25 and Kim has a zillion tattoes and body piercings. Even her gums above her two front teeth are pierced. She has several college degrees, yet can't get a decent job because she looks different.

Would you rather have your kid get everything out of their system while they are in highschool and appearance isn't so critical? Or would you rather have them do everything that they ever wanted to do after they are out of your house...when they are supposed to be becoming responsible adults?