Piercings and Your Child

Body piercing are all the rage. It was once only customary for earrings, and then only for girls, but now, nose, eyebrow, tongue, belly button, and several other body parts are being pierced. As a parent, it is hard to know when to put your foot down, and when to allow your child to do things, like get a piercing. The following is a look at what to consider when determining if you should allow your child to get a piercing.

1. Their age. If your child wants a body piercing, then one of the factors you have to consider is their age. An eighteen year old can get one if they want one. But, this does not mean you have to allow it. Age plays a factor because when children are too young, they often make decisions without giving too much thought to the future. For example, if your child gets their tongue pierced, they might have long lasting results, swollen tongue, scarring, etc.

2. Their ability to clean and care for the pierced area. If your child is not responsible enough to clean and care for a pierced area, then you should not allow them to get a piercing. As a matter of fact, that should be one of the biggest determining factors. A piercing that is improperly cared for can lead to infection, scarring, and more. So, if your child is not practicing proper hygiene in general, not showering, not brushing and flossing, or whatever the case may be, then it is best if you do not allow them to have a piercing.

Does your child want to attract attention?

3. Your personal beliefs. Some people simply do not want their children to get a piercing because it goes against their religious or personal beliefs. It may be
that they want children to be more modest in dress, and more circumspect. The fact is, if a tongue, nose, or belly piercing goes against your beliefs, then do not allow it. Many parents feel like if they allow their children to get a piercing, the child will take on some of the stereotypical characteristics that come with that. For example, if they wear a belly ring, they will dress and act immodestly. If they get a nose ring, or an eyebrow ring, they will act like a punk, etc.

4. Where they want to pierce. Often the biggest obstacle to whether or not you should let your child get a piercing, is what they want to get pierced. Kids want to get pierced in some of the weirdest places. For example, they may want their nipples pierced, their cheek, or even their privates. So, should you allow your kid to get a piercing? A nose or multiple ear piercing is one thing, but something that is in a place that should not be seen by everyone is another.

5. Your local area. Sometimes piercing is a matter of fitting in, other times it is a part of the local culture. So, if every other kid in your child’s school class has a piercing, and they want one too, then you may want to consider it, as it is less about a rebellion, or a personal need, and more about being part of something.