DS2 (aged 9) asked for ear pierced

[TheOrigFV45]

Completely out of the blue so got me off-guard.

I said no, he asked why, I said he was too young, he said that plenty of girls had their done. Then I realised that yes, if I had a girl she may well have had her ears pierced by this age if she had wanted.

I tried to explain the social differences, but they actually don't sit well with my principals. Why shouldn't he get his ear pierced?

I do think people view a boy with a piercing differently to a girl and that's just the way it is, but it's not right, is it?

WWYD?

If it comes up again I think I'll say that if I had a daughter I wouldn't let her get hers done until secondary school (and maybe I would, haven't really thought about it - but it does seems a PITA for PE).

I would feel exactly the same as you if DS1 or DS2 asked. Literally everything you've said I would also feel.

I think I would also go with your proposed response about if you had a daughter she'd have to wait until secondary school, then I'd hope he had forgotten about it by then

Be honest with yourself, would you let a daughter? Actually think it through dont just lie to yourself to make it convenient. If you would say yes, is it fair to say no?

What of he asks when he's in secondary school?

What are school rules over jewellery? Do they have to take it off? I think ours ask that new piercings are times around holidays so they can be removed properly for pe. On tbst basis, I think it's a first week of summer holidays job.

I think you have to decide if making decisions like this based on his sex sits right with you and how you want to parent?

At the age of 9 neither a son nor a daughter of mine would be having their ear(s) pierced.

I have a DS. I don't like piercings on boys if I'm honest but if he wanted it doing I would let him. His body his choice.

I don't think 9 is too young either but I'm quite relaxed about piercings anyway.

If it helps, I'm avoiding allowing my dd to have her ears pierced by saying that she can have it done 1st week of summer hols (just before she moves up to senior school) because then she can have 6weeks+ for the piercing to heal without having to take them out or cover up for school/pe.

Thanks all.
We talked about it again this evening (I raised the issue) and I explained sort of what I said above and we had a good discussion about sexism etc.
Then I drew the line and said I wouldn't allow it (either girl or boy) until end of year 6.

I've given myself 18 months grace!

I dont like young boys with piercings but at least they can be taken out if there are issues.
I think i would of done the same as you.