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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to let my 6 year old have her ears pierced?

77 replies

Soscared100 · 21/12/2016 16:14

I always said she needed to be quite a bit older, mainly so she didn't have the hassle of taking out for p.e days but she's had a horrible time ( she burnt her foot - I have another thread on here ) and asked if she could have it done as an extra present and in struggling to say no.
Is the main opinion that she is too young?

OP posts:

Blacksox · 21/12/2016 19:19

My opinion? 6 is way too young and it will look chavvy.

Cultural exceptions, obv.

Original poster

Soscared100 · 21/12/2016 19:19

I probably am just thinking of anything I can do to make her happy at the minute and actually the pain is probably a very bad idea considering she is already in pain
School says they have to remove for p.e and they swim in year 2 so that would be twice a week removing so may be best to do for year 3 even

OP posts:

justinelibertine · 21/12/2016 19:24

@stillrabbit Yes, the law says she can have a tattoo at 18. I am fine with it. And would be having talks about sensible places.
However, I say this my DD is only 2 so maybe I am a bit ahead of myself and naive.

Castleheights · 21/12/2016 19:27

She has asked the have them done. I don't understand why so many mnetters get overwhelmed with excitement when this topic resurfaces, it's not a big deal if the piercing is looked after properly.
Yanbu and she is not too young.

notmyproblem · 21/12/2016 20:05

Always regretted that my mum had my ears pierced at about that age (apparently I really wanted them). I hate earrings as an adult and don't wear them but the stupid holes have never filled in and just look ugly now.

As a result, my kids won't be getting theirs pierced til they are old enough to sign the consent form themselves.

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 21/12/2016 20:38

Tbh I think the younger the better, get it over and done with as long as the school are ok with it.

AvonCallingBarksdale · 21/12/2016 20:42

Good god no! Looks awful under secondary age IMVHO. cultural mores excepted but otherwise just looks yukky.

DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen · 21/12/2016 20:51

She is TOTALLY playing you though if you're ok with that then go with it otherwise stick to your guns.

flowery · 21/12/2016 21:06

"I know people would say I should wait until she's old enough to decide but it's a personal choice."

I'm glad you think it's a personal choice kel. At what age do you think children are capable of making that personal choice? Surely if you think it's a personal choice it would by definition be necessary to wait until they are old enough to decide?

1horatio · 21/12/2016 21:33

DH just told me that he understands I have potentially different cultural views on this (he's seen my cousin's baby with pierced ears) but that he personally is very opposed to young girls having earrings. He thinks the 'appropriate age' is when they can do the aftercare themselves... Luckily I myself, am not a fan of it either.

However, wouldn't it be a bit like rewarding bad behaviour if your DD got earrings now? I mean, I'm assuming she knew she shouldn't climb on the stove. If I'm wrong then that obviously wouldn't be the case.

and why would she want to be in even more pain? Mine got infected (I'm honestly not sure how it happened, because I remember DM being very careful) and it hurt like crazy!

PrincessConsuelaTheSecond · 21/12/2016 21:44

My DD had her ears pierced at 6 after two years of badgering (against my better judgment). She was very mature for her age and managed to clean her ears twice a day for 12 weeks.

Then she put some cheap earrings in, had a massive reaction and ended up with a crater in her ear. It's still scarred now.

She had them re pierced at 12. Touch wood there have been no problems so far but she understands that she only has earrings we buy for her for birthdays/Christmas as they are designed for sensitive ears.

If I had my time again I'd say hell no. Most primary schools won't allow it anyway - what if she's made to take them out for PE and doesn't dare argue with her teacher?...

Wait until at least 11, it's much easier!

LynetteScavo · 22/12/2016 09:11

Rewarding for bad behaviour? How can anyone think that after the child had experience pain because of what she did?

Anyway I love the way this topic gets so heated on MN. Wait until the summer holidays, and until her ears have stopped growing (aged 11) so the hole stays where you want it and doesn't end up low on the lobe.

thethoughtfox · 22/12/2016 09:18

Too small to look after them. It might not matter to you but people will judge.

corythatwas · 22/12/2016 09:24

My take has always been that anything not necessary that could affect their longterm appearance or health (nickel allergies) gets done when they are old enough to understand the consequences- personally I put that at 15.

MummyStep123 · 22/12/2016 09:29

Wow this is a touchy subject! Lots of judgey judgey-ness!
I don't think 6 is too horrendously young if I'm being honest.

questioningitall · 22/12/2016 10:01

Urge! Yuck!! 13 at the youngest. Any younger than that is horrid!

BringMeTea · 22/12/2016 10:05

No. Far too young. All personal opinion though isn't it?

May50 · 22/12/2016 10:10

DP and I have said 16 , but I realise we may get badgered so would be prepared to think slightly earlier (earliest would definitely be between primary and secondary school so age 11)

CalmItKermitt · 22/12/2016 10:13

Earrings look awful on little children.

Only1scoop · 22/12/2016 10:14

Agree

lozzylizzy · 22/12/2016 10:14

I was 6 when I had mine done which I think may be a little young, I would say at least 8 as they understand a little more but I would sway to about 10. This is personal choice though but I agree with pp, if you have already said no then don't, not just yet anyway.

Original poster

Soscared100 · 22/12/2016 10:23

I have spoken to her this morning and she has decided now she would like them for secondary school instead 😳
Good job we didn't do it all guns blazing for her to change her mind at the last minute!
She has said she would prefer a bratz doll as an extra present 😃

OP posts:

wigglesrock · 22/12/2016 10:29

Oh Christ don't get Mumsnet started on Bratz dolls it'll make the ear piercing handwringing look like a reasoned conversation - glad it's sorted.

CinnamonSteve · 22/12/2016 10:32

Please don't have any ear piercings done at Claire's etc., piercing guns cannot be sterilised and are at risk of harbouring blood borne pathogens. You should on,y have any type of piercing performed at a reputable body piercing studio, using a single use needle.

In addition a piercing gun uses blunt force to push the stud through the ear, potentially causing serious damage, whereas a needle makes a clean hole for the jewellery to fit into.

hollinhurst84 · 22/12/2016 10:35

Also don't twist them at all, saline to clean them and remove any crusty bits with a cotton bud after cleaning

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