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.

I went with my son for his first tattoo - he was 16 as we were on holiday and this was the legal age there .
I also bought him another one for his 18th .

Your son is an adult and his dad should respect his decision making ability

If he's wanted a tattoo for a long time, but he hasn't decided what he wants or where he wants it?

He’s talked about wanting one for a long time but obviously he’s been told no,not until you’re 18 so he hasn’t put too much thought into it up until now . He does have a few ideas now but they’re all a bit haphazard.

My dd and I went to get matching tattoos when she was 18! Go with your son. Lovely idea!

Any good tattooist will need to be booked with well in advance, and the design and placement will need to be confirmed before the appointment.

@Newname71 I have tattoos on my arms and I love them all. None of them have "special meanings" particularly but each one is beautiful and I enjoyed meeting the artists who did them for me, hearing how they got into tattooing and other things about their lives. The whole experience can be enjoyable.

My DD is 17 and is talking about getting one on her spine when she is 18. I suppose in a way she will never need to see it if it's there, it will be mostly hidden under clothing, but I know that part of your back can be a painful spot. I'm encouraging her to think smaller, and to choose something that can be changed / built on or covered up easily if she gets tired of it.

I started late so I'm not sick of any of mine yet.

There are still places that allow walk-ins. You walk in, pick one of their existing designs and agree a price and bingo. Done.

Try to get him to find and follow decent artists on Instagram and 'live with' an idea of a design for 3 months or so. Obviously he can do what he wants, but you want to teach him decision making skills for big purchases.

You are right OP. With ADHD they are 30% behind in maturity, like a 13 year old. Plus the impulsivity. I would do the same for my DS who also has ADHD. They may be classed as an adult but they need a lot more support

Def go with him!

My daughter is 18 and has three.

She has researched them well, researched the studio and chosen her designs carefully - not just gone in and picked one from a book.

They're actually lovely.

Her third was done yesterday and, tbh, I love it. She went with a sensible friend for the first two. Yesterday, she went on her own. I admire her confidence tbh!

Would I have consented to let her have it done before 18? No. Would I prefer she had waited? Probably. But I can't see her regretting any of the three she has and I know she plans for more.

Besides, as much as she's still my baby, she is also an adult.