Teens and Tattoos: A Guide for Parents

Learn how to confidently talk to your teen about tattoos. The more you know about tattoos, their history and their cultural significance, the more your teenager will value your advice and input into their decision to get inked. Teens are attracted to tattoos because they offer tangible proof that they have the ability to determine their own identity. Teenagers have always embraced rebellion – against their parents, against authority, even against societal norms themselves – and tattoos are one of the easiest and most effective ways to express the feelings of angst that teens typically experience. Unfortunately, this can be disturbing to many parents. You are naturally protective of your children, so it’s natural for them to want to keep them from making big, life-altering mistakes that they may regret later. Combine this protectiveness with the average teenager’s impulsiveness and you have a surefire recipe for conflict. Rather than resisting, a better approach is to be supportive and encouraging. While you privately may balk at their choice, if they have already made up their mind anything you say will only embolden them to act anyway. By letting your teenager know that you are okay with their getting a tattoo, it tells them that you trust them to make the important choices that affect their lives. When they know they have your trust, love and support, they will be more open to hearing your advice and input.