My 13-year-old son wants to pierce his ears and get earrings. What should I do? How am I supposed to react?
Don’t act surprised when your teen announces that he wants to a piercing. Before you give an answer, it is important to sit down and have an open-minded-yet serious-talk. Remember that most states have specific laws and regulations regarding minors. Depending on where you live, your teen may need your consent or it may be necessary for you to be present at the time of the piercing.
Hold a conversation with him to carefully consider the pros and cons of piercing. Your discussion my have a vital impact that influences his future decisions.
Before giving your opinion about piercings, listen to what your teen has to say to gain an understanding of your teen’s thought process.
*Why does he want the piercing?
*Is he prepared to deal with the healing process?
*How long has he been thinking about he piercing?
*Does his school allow visible piercing?
Do your homework so that you can have an educated talk about the risks. A piercing isn’t a simple set-and-forget process-it requires continual care and maintenance while it heals. Validate your teen’s feelings about getting the piecing even if you don’t agree. Follow up with expressing your concern by saying, “People will judge you for getting a piecing and it may interfere with you ability to make a good impression with people who have negative opinions about piercings.” Also discuss that even ear piercings can run the risk of painful infections especially if he does not go to a reputable place.
You can tell you teen to do some research as well as look at reputable websites that offer piercing information. If he is really motivated to get the piercing, then he must do the work. If you mutually decide that piercing is a good idea, visit a few of these reputable places in the area with your son. Does it look clean? Is the staff knowledgeable? Is the equipment sterile? Ask as many questions as you can. It is also important to have the person who will actually do the piercing to discuss the process. Hearing about it may make him think twice before following through. If he still wants to do it, be supportive.