Belly, Nose or Ear: Your Child and Piercings

Kids get their noses, ears, eyebrows, nipples, belly buttons, and nameless other things pierced. If your child wants a piercing, or several, you have to ask yourself if you are going to allow it. Here are a few things to consider:

First ask yourself why your child wants a piercing.
Getting something pierced is a popular trend right now, and whether or not you let your child get one is up to you. However, if you are considering it, make sure they are getting a piercing for the right reasons. If they are getting one because their friends have one, or because they think the other sex will find it more attractive, or think they are more interesting, etc. On the other hand, if they want one because they honestly thinks it looks good, or they feel like they are going to benefit in some way for getting it.

Second, consider your child’s safety.
Your first concern for your child when determining if you should let them get a piercing should be safety. Before allowing any piercing, even ears, you should discuss with them the proper way to care for a pierced area. They should learn how to cleanse the piercing, and make sure that infection can’t occur, and that your child will not have lasting scars, etc. If your child is not old enough, or responsible enough to care for a pierced area, then you should not allow them to get a piercing. However, if that is your only concern, teaching them how to care for their skin is a first.

Third, consider your child’s school rules.
Some schools have set rules about the amount of jewelry your child can wear to class, and where. Some schools, for example, only allow one set of earrings. If your child wants a nose ring, they may not be able to even wear it to school. This means that they will have to get it pierced during the summer, so that they have time to let it heal before they have to remove the ring for school each day. If your child’s school does not allow piercings, it can really help your plight when telling them no. So, check into it, and why. Often getting certain things pierced can lead to changes in attitude, and activity.

You need to ask yourself if you want your child to get a piercing. If it goes against your personal or religious beliefs, then not allowing your child to get a piercing is fine, but you want to see if they have the same beliefs. You can’t force your beliefs on them, or you may find that not allowing your child a piercing makes matters worse, not better, and they go and do it behind your back anyway.