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Martian · 02-19-2006, 06:43 PM

Okay, here's how I see it.

Your 17 year old isn't a kid anymore. Granted he's not an adult yet either, but he's old enough that he can make some decisions for himself. And he's going to want to.

So.

Instead of dissuading him from getting a tattoo, I think you'd do better to find out why he wants one. What does he plan on getting inked and why is it that?

Even tattoos don't last forever. I mean, once you get it inked it stays there, but you can use cover art if 20 years from now you don't like the design.

If he's looking to get a small one somewhere, for whatever reason, I wouldn't give it too much thought. Insteading trying to convince him not to, go research local parlours. Find out who does them, what sort of reputation they have. Take a look at their art (they should have pictures of other tattoos they've done) to see what the quality is like. Talk it over with them, ask them about their cleaning procedures. Make sure they use fresh ink and needles and everything gets autoclaved.

The risk of infection actually isn't that bad, as long as you go somewhere reputable and take proper care of it after you get it done. That goes for both piercings and tattoos.

My way of looking at it is when your child gets to be that age, your role shifts less from making the decisions for him and more to guiding him and helping him make his own decisions. You can't stop him from getting tatted up if that's what he wants to do, so instead of fighting the issue I'd say you're better off trying to make sure he goes about it in a safe and responsible fashion.

As to the nipple piercings, as long as they're done properly I say let him do it if he wants to. The great thing about piercings is that you can always take them out when/if you don't want them anymore.

EDIT - And to add my experiences, I was about 14 when I knew I wanted a tattoo. I got mine inked when I was 20 and coloured at 21. I'm 22 now and while I realize that's still young, I can't see ever having issue with me tat. It's just a part of me, like my scars are.

02-19-2006, 06:43 PM	#13 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	Okay, here's how I see it. Your 17 year old isn't a kid anymore. Granted he's not an adult yet either, but he's old enough that he can make some decisions for himself. And he's going to want to. So. Instead of dissuading him from getting a tattoo, I think you'd do better to find out why he wants one. What does he plan on getting inked and why is it that? Even tattoos don't last forever. I mean, once you get it inked it stays there, but you can use cover art if 20 years from now you don't like the design. If he's looking to get a small one somewhere, for whatever reason, I wouldn't give it too much thought. Insteading trying to convince him not to, go research local parlours. Find out who does them, what sort of reputation they have. Take a look at their art (they should have pictures of other tattoos they've done) to see what the quality is like. Talk it over with them, ask them about their cleaning procedures. Make sure they use fresh ink and needles and everything gets autoclaved. The risk of infection actually isn't that bad, as long as you go somewhere reputable and take proper care of it after you get it done. That goes for both piercings and tattoos. My way of looking at it is when your child gets to be that age, your role shifts less from making the decisions for him and more to guiding him and helping him make his own decisions. You can't stop him from getting tatted up if that's what he wants to do, so instead of fighting the issue I'd say you're better off trying to make sure he goes about it in a safe and responsible fashion. As to the nipple piercings, as long as they're done properly I say let him do it if he wants to. The great thing about piercings is that you can always take them out when/if you don't want them anymore. EDIT - And to add my experiences, I was about 14 when I knew I wanted a tattoo. I got mine inked when I was 20 and coloured at 21. I'm 22 now and while I realize that's still young, I can't see ever having issue with me tat. It's just a part of me, like my scars are. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame Last edited by Martian; 02-19-2006 at 06:45 PM..