What do you think of tattoos to represent your children?

[Spookygoose]

Might depend on whether you’re a tattoo kind of person or not, but would you/have you ever had a tattoo that represents your children? If so is it very literal eg. Their name/D.O.B or more abstract/creative? What do you think of tattoos that represent someone’s children in general?

Not me. The pretty, first tattoo I got many years ago I don’t regret but wouldn’t miss and I’ve even considered adding to it to make it special. My tattoos which were done with a specific meaning I would never touch or be without.

On the age divide subject. Many of my friends have tattoos (late 50s), but I haven’t, and neither has DH. One of our children has one very small one on his ankle, but the other two haven’t.

I was never tempted when I was younger either. To me, it seems expensive and pointless- if I want art, I put it on my walls (I have a lot). That is my opinion though, and I don’t judge (unless it’s a terrible tattoo, but I’d also judge tacky wall art… live laugh love 😂).

Because it's an anonymous forum where people are actually being asked their opinion.

Exactly. Bit like "Four in a Bed" when owners are outraged at criticism and say "Well, nobody's critised our decor before".
That's because most people wouldn't mention it unless they were asked.
What's the point of asking a question on a forum full of anonymous people if you think only things that have been said or happened to you are valid?

I disagree, I’ve had plenty of conversations in the past with friends/family/colleagues about tattoos (where none of us present had any tattoos that represented our kids) where child representation tattoos were brought up and opinions were freely given. Eg. They look chavvy, pictures of the kid’s face looks awful etc. No one’s ever said once that they think people get them cos they’ve lost the child

I have a tattoo that reperesents my child, but nobody else would know unless they asked about it and I told them. Just like they wouldn't know the flower and animal tattoos I have represent other people that are special to me. Only one of them has died. I like tattoos but I wouldn't want something myself that didn't represent a special time/person in my life.

You know that parents with tattoos can be those kind of parents too don’t you?

I have three hammer head sharks. It has meaning for me

Lots of people think that parents have to be reminded of their own children’s names by way of a tattoo?

Sure.

Yep she’s the rough as fuck brigade

Yep. All too often a certain type of person has this sort of tattoo as visible proof of how devoted they are to their child. It's so easy isn't it, just spend a bit of cash and two hours in a tattoo parlour and everyone can see how much you love your kid. Job done

Oh God this!
Personally for me they are an indicator of deadbeat Dads

Seriously I work in MH and tattoos are very common as a way to deal with personal trauma. I am not criticising this but it always crosses my mind when I see someone with multiple tattoos that they are usually vulnerable.

But @Catquestyou work in the realm of people with poor mental health so of course that’s what you see.

I have 11 tattoos and I am frankly delighted with my life 😁😁😁😁

That’s me!

I agree with this . All the people I’ve met over the years with sleeves / extensive tattoos have had mental health issues .

I haven't made this as an assumption, it's generally acknowledged that it's a sign of vulnerability.
You are assuming I work with service users - I dont

I think it’s fine if you are a sailor in the 1880s waving farewell to your beloved family as you leave Portsmouth bound for far Malay.

Tacky. Common.

Still think I'd prefer a bit of whittled scrimshaw (shell, not ivory) than a tattoo

Actually I gave no thought at all to your job 🤷‍♀️

But you brought your work up, and I’m pointing out that it’s very far from always the case; I have tattoos because I love the experience of getting them, I love the art I chose, and some of them have meaning but some are just cool.

Everything I've learnt, taught and the psychology behind extreme tattoos points to vulnerability.
Ditto any type of extreme plastic surgery and body modification

Always

I have a very small, hidden tattoo that represents a promise I made to my son when he was having a very hard time with his physical and mental health in the run-up to his GCSE exams. It doesn't represent him as such, but it's a permanent acknowledgement of my pride in his courage and resilience. It meant a lot to him that I went through with it. It's also very silly and cute, and only a tiny handful of people know about it. I wouldn't want his name emblazoned on my forearm because I'm not really a 'big tattoo' kind of person, but if people want to do that and it's meaningful to them, then why not?

Fair enough!

I have 11 tattoos and a tummy tuck, but maybe I’m an outlier 😊

You have described to a tee the psychology behind repeated collection of tattoos.

The process indicates a need for external validation, with emphasis on repeated exposure to pain, the completed tattoo is winning over the pain and repeat ...

People seek the familiar patterns set in childhood

“Generally acknowledged” 🤣 where exactly is it generally acknowledged?

This comment is the epitome of my point - older people having a completely different perception of tattoos because of how they were viewed in the time you grew up. Eg. Badly done DIY jobs by fellow sailors. Times have changed dramatically and they are now longer viewed in this way. Surely you must realise that though?

This thread makes me want more tattoos 🤣

If the aspirational middle class want to sneer at me for being a povvo and the armchair psychiatrists want to analyse me as vulnerable, crack on. I just like tattoos.