Talkin’ About Kids and Tattoos

Recently one of my bloggy friends, Leilani the lovely lady behind Soleil Selene, wrote a post about the future discussion she will have with her daughters about tattoos and body piercings.

Now, I know I’m not the only (bloggy) mama with a tattoo. They’ve become increasingly popular over the years and a little less taboo. But, I think most of us know someone who regrets getting a tattoo… typically a fad type one when they turned 18 (barbed wire armband anyone?).

Personally, I love tattoos. I think they look good (if done well, shoddy work is a different story) and often carry a memorable story. (Yes, I loved watching L.A. Ink and Miami Ink!)  I wanted a tattoo since I was in high school (along with several piercings), but didn’t get one until a couple years ago.

I’m glad I waited. I put thought into deciding what to get and won’t regret it. As for the body piercings, I’m glad I didn’t get them – no holes or scars to worry about. Funny thing is, I didn’t get them before because I didn’t think I could handle the pain… I’m a big wuss when it comes to pain (at least before giving birth naturally!).

Here’s my one so far (I have a few others I want to get):

Fresh and shiny with ointment.

Now some people may think it doesn’t qualify as a meaningful tattoo. It’s Metallica’s logo – one of my favorite bands for.. well, most of my life. Getting it done carries more of a story!

The next one I will be getting will be in honor of Riss! (I’ve had to start saying “in honor of” because when I said “get a tattoo for Riss” a few people questioned my parenting thinking it was going on the baby…) If I could draw, I’d show you a mock up. Instead, I’ll just describe it… a pumpkin with her initials carved into it like a jack ‘o lantern. I’ll probably add the year too.

When she gets older, I don’t want her to see them with a negative stigma. If she wants any, I’ll encourage her to really think about it, wait – not rush – and tell a story with her ink.

On another note, not long after I got mine, my youngest nephew (who was two at the time) kept touching it saying “owie.”  He was the first family member to notice it, I think!

What about you? Do you have any tattoos? Any regrets?

Darcy Zalewski

Darcy is the founder of “Life With Darcy and Brian,” where she combines her love for education, board games, and crafting to create engaging learning experiences for kids. Her creative projects and writing have been featured in outlets like The Toy Insider, CafeMom, Mom.com, Parents.com, Country Living, and The Pioneer Woman.