AIBU to delay 7yr old DD getting ears pierced until she’s 12

[Whosthebestbabainalltheworld]

DD (7) went to a birthday party today where one of the girls got her ears pierced as a birthday present. Cue the inevitable.

I’ve said not until she’s 12. Am I just totally not with it? I don’t have any massive objections, but I was about that age myself and being totally honest, I think they look a bit cheap on small girls - and for saying that out loud I’m sure I will burn in mumsnet hell.

Not keen on small children having pierced ears. I reckon some point in high school is a reasonable age.

How far away is her birthday? Because if you can say we'll think about it for yours the novelty of having just seen one of her mates getting it might have worn off. I was about 8/9 having mine done and it's still brought up every now and then that I was the youngest child so got away with everything since the rest had to wait until 14

11-12 is around the age of menarche. Having and taking care of ear piercing and being able to wear earrings are a privilege as girls start to grow up. My much elder sister had to wait for sixteen, but Mom had mine done at twelve. All my friends were doing it, and she preferred it was done in the doctor’s office at a checkup rather than by a friend with a darning needle if she forbid it.

It's actually really embarrassing hearing adults describe children as looking "cheap" and "tacky". Snobs.

I first noticed pierced ears on my first day at school and asked my mum to have them pierced.

I asked every day and at 14 she said I could have them.

Most of my school had theirs done between primary and secondary, which I think is a good age.

I think it’s hilarious how white middle class MN think it’s “tacky” for a 10yo to have her ears pierced but it’s “lovely” for a 12yo to have them done. Hope all these commenters don’t have their ears pierced, you cheap, tacky women many girls can be taught good hygiene and look after their piercings. It depends on how responsible your dc are.

@womaninatightspot

Not keen on small children having pierced ears. I reckon some point in high school is a reasonable age.

So a 10yo girl can deal with her periods, but can’t have her ears pierced? She has to wait until she’s a teen because you don’t think she’s responsible enough?

DD had hers done between primary and secondary which is the age I'd said she could get them done all along.

My DD had hers done between junior and high school. She was rubbish at looking after them, they didn't heal well as a result of that despite me helping and she took them out after a year..all kids are different in terms of maturity and willingness to self care.
Personally I think junior school is too young but high school is better.

So a 10yo girl can deal with her periods, but can’t have her ears pierced? She has to wait until she’s a teen because you don’t think she’s responsible enough?

Yeah, because those two things are exactly the same 😂😂

My daughter is beautiful and adding metal parts to her head wasn't going to enhance her looks so I didn't consent to earrings at all.

She ended up getting her ears pierced at 19. I still don't like how it looks but it was her choice.

I really don't see the attraction of having holes bored into your ears! I've never had mine done and never will - my only problem is trying to find clip earrings!

@surreymum89

I had my belly button pierced by 13 , what a shocker

Why?

@AutumnAlmanack because some people like piercings? I've always liked them, I had my belly button pierced at 14. As an adult I now have 14 piercings.

@Waxonwaxoff0

It's actually really embarrassing hearing adults describe children as looking "cheap" and "tacky". Snobs.

Isn't it just

I find it really disturbing that anyone would describe a child as looking “cheap” & “tacky”

To be honest that’s the icky thing about this post

I don't think anyone has described the child as looking cheap or tacky - it's the fact that their ears are pierced that looks nasty.

@ChocolateDeficitDisorder

I don't think anyone has described the child as looking cheap or tacky - it's the fact that their ears are pierced that looks nasty.

Why though? What is nasty about earrings?

I had no idea people held such strong feelings over earrings. I don't know anyone who hasn't had their ears pierced. Never given it much thought.

I’ve never had my ears pierced and will discourage DD from doing so as it’s sore and unnecessary. If she wants to get it done she can do it when she no longer needs my consent (or in her teens if she wears me down and promises she will look after them).

My mother said 13, and I did the same for my girls, and it was aged 13.

@hopingbutlosing

I had no idea people held such strong feelings over earrings. I don't know anyone who hasn't had their ears pierced. Never given it much thought.

And that’s the problem Making unnecessary holes in children so they “look pretty” should never be fine without giving no thought. The age and capability of the child should actually be given quite a lot of thought before agreeing to it

@hopingbutlosing

I had no idea people held such strong feelings over earrings. I don't know anyone who hasn't had their ears pierced. Never given it much thought.

Anyone, or any woman?

I got mine done at 4 after I badgered my mum to death. She realised that getting them done before school me at she could take care of them for me and they were healed before I went to school. I am 42 and still have the same holes.

When dd asked in junior school i said she could have them pierced in the summer before she went to senior school

In the end she had them pierced at 19 😀 she had a lovely time, all the staff came to talk to her and she got a sticker saying how brave she was

She’s a bit of a fainter so i made her tell the ‘piercer’ that her parents were outside in case she fainted. Apparently he yelled across the room ‘WEVE GOT A FAINTER’

So no, I don’t think you are being unreasonable