My Son Wants A Tattoo. I Do Not Know What To Do!

To many people a  Tattoo represents a bad appearance, for others it is just art. As mothers we don’t even think about it until we are involved in that situation we don’t want to be in. 

Tattooing the human body is a practice that has been developed for thousands of years. Putting drawings, figures or symbols on the skin is a custom that has been ingrained in our culture since unimaginable times.

At first they were used to worship deities or identify tribes, today it is debated whether it is art, fashion or mere eccentricity.  But what does it mean to get a tattoo? Etymologically speaking, the word tattoo does not mean more than “mark”. 

It is very likely that you will be alarmed if your child has told you that he wants to get a tattoo.  Your first reaction may be rejection with a resounding ¡ Not! But we already know that the forbidden attracts, so before saying no, think carefully about your answer.

The issue is raised, your son has said that he wants a tattoo and before that, you do not know what to do.  What do you really dislike about tattoos? Is it something dangerous? Is it right or wrong for me to do it?  We will try to clarify all these questions below.

Tattoos and the taboo that surrounds them

One of the first considerations to take into account is the age of your child, if he is still young he will settle for  tattoos  temporary that are only placed by moistening them with water, But if you are already a teenager you may want to have a tattoo.

And let’s be honest, if you no longer have one, it is almost certain that at some stage in your life you wanted to do it and you ended up neglecting it because your mother forbade it or because then you stopped liking it.

It’s that simple, the idea stopped appealing to you and there it was. Or maybe if you got a tattoo you have to know that the world did not stop turning, that you did not become a criminal, nor did you leave school or university.

The same can happen with your child, so we must prepare to respond in the best possible way once the time has come.

Mothers cannot decide on the body of our children once they grow up, that is something that we must always be clear about. We are not their owners, but we can guide them.

In any situation, parents will be examples  to follow, so getting upset with your son for wanting to get a tattoo is not the best idea.  On the contrary, talking with him and dedicating time to his concerns, no matter how old he is, is the best gift.   that you can give.

Keep in mind that not conditioning their knowledge or aspirations is something that will make them grow emotionally  healthy.  Even in these modern times, tattoos are still surrounded by taboos .

The truth is that a tattoo, in essence, does not change a human being, that is one of the most important premises that you and your child must know to avoid discrimination or being victims of it

Should I or should I not allow myself to get a tattoo?

This is the question that more than one will ask: should I allow you to get a tattoo? The answer is very personal, but to help you we have listed some elements to evaluate:

• Tattooing can be dangerous.  If it is done with instruments that lack the hygiene conditions established for this practice,  the risk of contracting a disease is high if the correct measures are not taken.

• Have the authorization. The places where they tattoo legally in compliance with hygiene regulations are not allowed to tattoo minors without authorization.
• Ask him what he wants to get tattooed and why. In general, those who get tattoos choose what they will capture on their body based on their tastes, people who marked their life or memories.  It is important to know these details that will help you understand and guide it in the best way.
• A tattoo is practically a mark for life. If you want to erase, it will cost time and money, so it is important that you be sure you want to have it. Also, it can be painful, so it is not a decision to be made lightly.
• Other options. There are different alternatives to permanent tattoos, such as those made from biodegradable inks, which, although they have a higher cost, will not last a lifetime.

Today there are dozens of people who have tattooed the name of their children after their birth, regardless of their profession or occupation.

That a person wears a tattoo does not make him a criminal. Although it seems implausible, currently those who wear tattoos are still stigmatized  or rejected by society.  No matter what your child’s decision is, a tattoo will not change who they are or who you raised.

Tolerating and accepting among a diversity of tastes is also part of the teachings that we must leave our children