My 18 {about to be 19} year old son went to basic training in October. When he left for training his recruiter said he couldn’t have a tattoo until he was enlisted and then the army has rules about where the tattoos can be, etc. My mama heart had hoped he would come back with a changed mind, but instead he came back with the design and location he wants. It is something similar to this:
Fitness and Tattoos (Photo credit: Glenn E. Malone)
I am not against tattoos. I would have one on my shoulder blade if I wasn’t a. a needlephobe and b. on blood thinners. However, I think that making the decision at a young age, like my son, is something that requires some serious thought. Many adults regret decisions they made as teens, and that’s understandable – teens are not known for their ability to make rational decisions and consider consequences. When it comes to tattoos, it’s especially important to think things through. After all, tattoos not only last your lifetime; they may last beyond that! Bodies of ancient people have been found that still have the tattoos on their skin from thousands of years ago. That’s why a checklist of considerations is important for teens who are thinking about getting a tattoo. Here are some of the things I have asked Jason to consider.
Health Concerns
Some tattoo parlors are unsanitary, and this can have grave consequences. Make sure you check out the tattoo parlor carefully before you consider getting a tattoo there. Visit more than once, and visit when they are not expecting you. Watch to see that the tattoo artist uses a fresh, unopened needle package with each customer. Check the parlor out for its overall cleanliness. If it just doesn’t seem clean, don’t go there. Diseases you can contract from dirty tattoo needles can cost you your life. Check out online reviews and consumer complaints to make sure others have been satisfied with the work and hygienic practices of the shop.
Parental Permission
It’s advisable to have your mama on board. If they freak out at the very prospect of your getting a tattoo, back off and wait. You don’t have to get a tattoo right now – your skin is not going anywhere. You can always get one later, but you can’t undo a tattoo that you got without your parents’ permission, and you can’t undo the consequences to your family. {I am aware that Jason is old enough to not require my permission but he does want my approval. I’m working on it 
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Reputable Artist
If you’ve ever seen a bad tattoo, you know you don’t want one. But a really good tattoo by a skilled artist is, in fact, a work of art. Study the art of the tattoo artist you are considering. Look at tattoos he or she has done, and ask for recommendations by discriminating friends. Most tattoo artists have a sample book you can look through, which will give you a feel for his or her artistic skill. Don’t be in such a rush to get a tattoo that you don’t take the time to do your research.
Your Future Employment
Bear in mind that some employers will not hire people with tattoos, especially if that job involves undercover or detective work. Secret Service personnel, for instance, cannot have tattoos; that’s considered a mark of distinction that would make that person stand out in a secretive setting. The military has rules about where tattoos can be placed and for some careers, a visible tattoo would be considered inappropriate for the profession. Other prospective employers may be put off by the sight of your tattoo, also, so think about the visibility and subject matter of your tattoo with this future reality in mind.
Subject Matter
Try to choose something uniquely you, but also not age-specific. For instance, if you love a certain cartoon character, are you sure you’re going to love him or her 50 years from now? And there’s the old advice about names – never, ever get a tattoo of anyone’s name. What that person means to you can change greatly over the years. So pick something you design yourself, or an image or conglomeration of images that sum up who you are or something you stand for.
I am quite certain Jason will get a tattoo. I am coming to terms with that and have even helped him look at different designs he is considering. I hope that he takes the above into consideration when he chooses when and where he gets inked.
Would you be okay with your son or daughter getting a tattoo?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
My daughter (soon to be 21) for the longest time talked about getting a tattoo. She recently changed her mind and decided against it. I did come to terms with it, had she decided to do it. And I would have a butterfly on my ankle if I thought I could handle the pain. I suppose there are worse things. I hope your son will make the right decision for him!
Such a good topic. I see the most ridiculous tattoos and piercings every day at work. I just wonder what the heck these people were thinking. And they seem to be somewhat addictive because I’ve seen so many people who get bunches of them all over. It’s just crazy. But a well thought-out, well placed tattoo, that has significant mean, I think is OK. I have one on my ankle – an unusual celtic knot design that I planned for years. I’m very happy with it, but I haven’t had much desire to repeat the experience. My son has one on his arm, similar to your son’s. It’s wonderful, except for the fact that it is misspelled. Nothing can be done and he is just going to have to live with it, but I think it took a lot of the joy out of it for him, and he hasn’t had much enthusiasm for a 2nd one. When a tattoo goes bad, it’s just not a fun experience and your advice is right on the money!