So you’ve got a teen who’s just itching to make her mark with a brand spanking new tattoo? Depending on your own situation, your reaction will range anywhere from “Not while you’re living under my roof” to “Yes! Let me help you pick it out!” Honestly, either one is fine. I’m not about to defend or attack either stance. But if you’re of the opinion that your teen might not really understand what a commitment it is to get a tattoo, then here’s one way to take it for a test drive.
First, get your teen to talk about why she wants a tattoo. There are counterarguments for nearly every reason, but let’s say she just really really wants one. If she has a design all set, move on to the next step. If she doesn’t, help her with it, whether it’s picking one out from the parlor’s library, or drawing one up fresh.
Second, have your teen draw it on with something fairly difficult to wash off. Tell her that if she wants the tattoo that badly, then she can live with a drawn-on version for a month, two months, whatever — this part is up to you. This is a good way for her to experience what it will be like seeing the same picture every time she looks at that part of her body. This will also be a good way for her to see what it will be like to get the reactions from her peers, those she knows and more importantly, those she doesn’t.
If both you and she can go the distance with it, and she still wants it, then it’s either time to let her do it, or examine for yourself why you’re so set against it. You may find that seeing it on her every day — or even just knowing it’s there — might not be as horrifying as you imagine it to be. But once it’s on, do get her to show it to everyone: friends, family, friends of family, etc. That’s when the true test will emerge. Good luck to you both!
