To go with my DS for a tattoo

[Newname71]

DS2 is 18 in May. He’s wanted a tattoo for a long time and has asked if he can have one on his 18th. DH is dead against it ( he hates them) but I’ve said yes and we can go together because I want another one. My reasoning is if I’m there I can guide him to choose something tasteful and not have it anywhere too visible.
DH thinks I should just tell him he can’t have one but he’ll be 18 and we can’t stop him. I’m concerned he’ll just go with his mates and get something ridiculous in a really visible spot.

When he’s 18 he can do what he likes

You're right, he's 18 so he'll get one anyway.

I think your idea of going with is good. You can ensure it's sensible and with a good, reputable artist.

Should he knock some more sense into me while he’s at it? 🙄

Go with him, that sounds fun!

My 12 year old came when I got my last one and sat and watched (my friend is the tattooist).

Your husband is a big old bore.

My 19 year old Grandson is getting his first one next week. His Mum taking him ( she has many) he already has piercings ( nose/ ear/ chin).

He is a big old bore!😂 He hates all my piercings too!

My 18 year old daughter got one the month she turned 18 - I had zero input to it because she's an adult 🤷‍♀️

Obviously he’ll be an adult too but he has ADHD and can be a tit sometimes.😁. That’s why I’d rather be there because if his mates dare him to get something stupid he’d more than likely do it

I've already promised both my son's Ill take them for their first tattoo.

But do have him plan what he wants and speak to the tattooist ahead of the appointment about what he wants. Don't just pick a random one from the flash.

I’d want to make sure he doesn’t walk in and pick something random. He’s got plenty of time to plan and find a good tattooist.

Neither me or DH have tattoos and DS was dead set on getting one once he turned 18. We quickly realised there was absolutely nothing we could do about it! DH just made absolutely sure that DS had a plan, he wanted to see what he was getting to make sure it wasn’t a knee jerk reaction. DS wouldn’t have wanted to do it without dh’s blessing I suppose you might say. As it stands it took DS 12 months to decide on his design anyway. Would your DH get involved in this way, seeing as there’s really nothing he can do about it? It sounds like you already have tattoos, is there anything in particular that your DH is against?

My DS had money towards his first tattoo for his 18th birthday, he had been talking about what he wanted for ages, went to a reputable tattoo artist and the one he has is really well done.

We spoke at length about it being permanent and to have it where it can be covered easily in case he does regret it in the future.

I agree that you should go with him, much better that he goes to someone good and with your support than getting something on a whim.

He’s just quite old fashioned. He can’t see the point in defacing your body with piercings and tattoos. I think it’s artistic, he just can’t see that.

What a stupid thing to say

Exactly my thoughts too!

IMO tattoos should be meaningful not some random picture out of a book.

Any good tattooist won’t have a book with images to pick out.

We’ve been happily married for 26 years. He’s not a fan but it’s not a deal breaker. My body, my choice and he’s man enough to accept that

I agree with PP who have said he needs to plan what he would like before going. I have quite a few tattoos and my first was just some random squiggly thing. It’s my least favourite…

@Newname71
Fair enough! My DD is quite sensible and I knew what she was proposing was a nice, normal tattoo so I didn't feel the need to go along! But I can see why you'd want to if DS isn't sensible 😬

I’m not a fan of tattoos but if one of my kids was going to get one anyway, it’s best that they’re steered into getting something they’re less likely to regret and in a less visible place.

I would also try to get them to decide on the tattoo and placement well before the appointment to have it done, just so they can properly think about it and not decide it all on the day.

Your husbands attitude of ‘just tell him no’ won’t work when he’s an adult obviously but I don’t think anyone is a bore for not liking tattoos.

Your friend should know very well that under 18s are not allowed into tattoo parlours

There’s nothing boring about not liking tats or piercings.

Ahh, the boring thing is a family joke. He bores himself sometimes 😂. If you’ve seen Derry Girls he’s a bit like the uncle sometimes. 😂
He doesn’t like my piercings, my tattoos or my taste in music but we still bumble along nicely 😁

I got my first tattoo on my 18th birthday and I am now heavily tattooed. I love it, love all my tattoos.

The best thing is take him to a good studio/artist. Better to support him because he’s 18. That’s like saying no to him getting a beer, he’s a whole ass man. He’ll do what he wants either way. Guide him as you are doing and tell your DH to get on board.