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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be upset that 'Claire's' pierce babies ears...

150 replies

ConstantlyFrazzled · 01/02/2012 14:53

.... right in the main window for everyone to see... Sad

I hate to think of little babies having painful things done to them that they have not consented to, need or asked for. I know ear piercing isn't the end of the world, but I was really upset to see a baby today sitting on her mother's lap being held still, about to be 'pierced' for the sake of 'beauty'. Seconds later the baby did of course scream out in pain and cry, and I have to admit I felt extremely angry and upset for her sake Sad.

Am I being unreasonable to think that a child should be old enough to consent to have their ears pierced or is it right to allow parents to make this decision?

I would like to see 'Claire's' setting a minimum age for ear piercing - am I being unreasonable to suggest that?

OP posts:
Agincourt · 01/02/2012 14:54

well yes you are being unreasonable because alot of babies have their ears pierced for cultural reasons, whether you or I like it or not and we have to respect that even though it may not be our view or belief it is that of others

BalloonTwister · 01/02/2012 14:54

YANBU - but I hope you've got your flame proof suit on! Grin

aldiwhore · 01/02/2012 14:56

YANBU.

OhdearNigel · 01/02/2012 14:56

FMG is done for cultural reasons in sub-saharan africa. Is it OK then ?

Kladdkaka · 01/02/2012 14:57

Regular ear piercing doesn't hurt does it? I never felt it.

Hulababy · 01/02/2012 14:58

YANBU

I was once in Claire's and heard the most awful sobs and cries from a young baby. Said baby had just had its ear pierced and they were trying to calm it down to do the second one. It went on for so long I had to leave. When I went by the window 10 minutes later the baby was still crying :(

Hulababy · 01/02/2012 14:58

It hurt when I had mine done. Like a stinging type pain.

mousymouseprice · 01/02/2012 14:59

yanbu, especially as piercing with guns (as they do at claire's) also is an additional health risk.

OhdearNigel · 01/02/2012 15:00

I found it very uncomfortable. I had it done at 14 with my best friend. My best friend practically passed out with the pain and could only bear to have one done.

Plus there's the discomfort of the wound afterwards and constantly ripping off a scab [shudder]

This is not something that should be done to babies; it should be illegalised in exactly the same way as tattoos

RitaMorgan · 01/02/2012 15:01

YANBU

It hurts like fuck and it is completely wrong to subject anyone, especially a baby, to pointless and painful procedures.

Parents who do this to their babies view them as objects, not people in their own right - they believe they own their children and can do whatever they want to them.

Agincourt · 01/02/2012 15:02

rather extreme reaction to compare it to female circumcision, but I presume you are trying to be a smart arse

catgirl1976 · 01/02/2012 15:02

Bingo card with

Chav
Abuse
Cultural Heritage
Never Did Me any Harm

all good to go...........

Magneto · 01/02/2012 15:02

YANBU they should be old enough to consent themselves and to understand that it will hurt and will need looking after. I had my ears pierced at 4 because I wanted them done but I haven't worn earrings since I was 16. If I had the choice now I wouldn't get them pierced.

There are lots of things that happen for "cultural" reasons which should also be banned imo.

OhdearNigel · 01/02/2012 15:02

no, just pointing out that saying that it's fine because it's "cultural" is a specious argument

fatlazymummy · 01/02/2012 15:04

OP try contacting your council. I believe some local authorities don't allow ear piercing below a certain age. I know when ex wanted to take our son [not a baby at the time I hasten to add] they couldn't find anyone who was liscenced to do it.

BroomForMyChin · 01/02/2012 15:04

YANBU

It's a awful thing to do to a baby. I don't care if it's for cultural reasons or not.

catgirl1976 · 01/02/2012 15:04

Oooh cultural

RitaMorgan · 01/02/2012 15:06

Agincourt - the point is you can't excuse things just by calling them "cultural".

FutureNannyOgg · 01/02/2012 15:07

I personally don't think they should be piercing anyone's ears. The method they use is unhealthy. If I want a piercing done, I'll go to someone who is properly trained, and has the right instruments, not a cheapo jewellery shop.
(not that I mind Claire's otherwise, I get loads of scarves and stuff from there)

debka · 01/02/2012 15:10

I agree OP. YANBU.

They were doing it in my Claire's this week- I wanted some hair things but no way could I go in whilst they were torturing that poor baby. I came back later and asked the girl behind the counter how she could do it. She said she'd done so many she just didn't care any more. :(

TBH I wish I had gone to another shop for hair stuff. I don't think I'll be going there again.

Agincourt · 01/02/2012 15:10

I still don't think it is comparable to female circumcision against someones will, that doesn't make my view misleading in any way it is just my view and for what it's worth, none of my children have piercings and none of them are babies anymore either.

TheCraicDealer · 01/02/2012 15:11

I had mine done at 17- plenty old enough to look after them myself!

Personally, I don't like the look of it on babies, and the idea of a wee tote being hurt like that makes my maternal instinct skip a beat. However, I'd prefer for mothers with no taste to have it done in a reputable place like Claire's where they use clean instruments and give instruction on aftercare once the deed is done.

Agincourt · 01/02/2012 15:11

I must admit though I wouldn't think it was a great place to get pierced either

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 01/02/2012 15:13

I don't like it either but it doesn't upset me and shouldn't upset YOU, it's nothing to do with you. Do 'Claire Accessories' sell grips too? Get one, next time you're passing...

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe2726 · 01/02/2012 15:15

Or better still, vote with your feet and don't give them your custom. Write to your MP if it's something that really upsets you... it does, doesn't it?

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