How to Talk Your Teenager Out of Getting a Tattoo
Posted: Monday, January 11, 2010
by Brianna Popsickle
A study done in 2006 by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology shows that 24% of Americans between 18 and 50 are tattooed; that's almost one in four. The survey also showed that about 36% of Americans age 18 to 29 have at least one tattoo.
If you're a parent, chances are at some point your child will come to you and say, "I want to get a tattoo." It usually happens somewhere after the weird hairstyle, piercings, and the words, "Can I take the car?"
1. Remain calm. Try to avoid screaming phrases such as, over my dead body' and have you lost your mind?' or the ever popular, as long as you're living under my roof you'll do as I say.' Those phrases are ineffective and over-used.
2. Use reverse psychology.
"I think a tattoo's a great idea! You should get one today."
This response will surely send your teenager into a tailspin. They'll become confused and nervous and will stop to re-think their decision. Since when do you agree with them on anything?
3. Instill fear.
"Yes, as long as I can go with you. I want to make sure they properly sterilize the needles. You don't want to contract any horrible disease."
No one wants to get sick, and even more, no teenager wants their mommy or daddy going with them to the tattoo parlour. Google tattoo procedures with your child, the bloodier the better. Read health risks related to tattoos and be sure to check out Tattoos Gone Bad.
4. Threaten to embarrass them.
" Yes! I've been thinking about getting a tattoo on my forearm for a while now. We can go together. Your friends will think you have the coolest Mom."
Teenagers don't want their parents to be cool. They want them to be invisible.
5. Mess with their minds. Offer a solution should they get a tattoo and regret it later.
"Sure, get one. If you don't like it you can always have it removed."
As they smile and hug you add, "I read you can have it removed for anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the size of the tattoo. The procedure almost always works and only takes three to six visits. They say it's like having a baby, you'll forget all about the pain eventually."
6. Gross them out. Lie if you have to.
"A tattoo, why not? Your Grandmother, Uncle Richard, Aunt Mable, and my friend Rita all have them."
Describe their tattoos in detail and precisely where they are on their bodies. Use your imagination. Just be sure to paint a pretty picture, one they'll be sure to visualize and have nightmares about later.
7. Resort to bribery.
"I'll pay you three times the cost of the tattoo, if you don't get one. "
Let's face it, money talks.
I hope you've found these suggestions helpful. But should you fail to change your child's mind, and they walk in one day sporting a tattoo, recall step one.
Remain calm.
Then hug them and love them anyway. There are much worse things in life than a tattoo.
This Article has been viewed 2,995 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Brianna,This was wonderful! Gosh, you do have a great sense of humor. I wonder if your kids appreciate your wisdom.My son went ahead and did it without my knowledge when he was away at college and 18. However, it is in Japanese, it is on the back of his right shoulder, and it says Jesus Christ. As displeased as I was, at least it refers to his Christian beliefs. For that I am glad. (And, he says that if he were to do it again, it will be a cross.)Thanks for some great advice...you sound like a good mom!Thanks Nancy! I try!
Another great article, Brianna. Love your attitude. Speaking as a mom with 2 boys with tattoos, I totally agree with your last piece of advice.I'll come clean, my son has two tattoos too. :) He's a wonderful guy and VERY cool, tattoos or not. Thanks for reading and commenting Joyce!
I know a number of people who got Tattoos while in their teens and either regret them or have gotten cover up tattoos with something more meaningful.I myself got tattooed when I was in my mid twenties and aside from the 'buyers remorse' directly after getting the tattoo, I've never regretted it once. Perhaps it is because mine is covered up 95% of the time, or maybe I just like it? Who knows!Great article.Tattoos seem to be very common now with men and women of all ages. I haven't got one, but I've learned to never say never. Who knows! Thanks for commenting Ryan, I'm glad you enjoyed the article.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.