Pinning back DD's ears.

[MrsScavo]

I was wondering what the general opinion of people on having children's ears pinned back.

DD has undeniably sticky out ears. They were aalmost deformed at bith(curled around like little shels), but we splinted them with 'ear buddies', and now they just stick out.

Our GP has recommended her ears are pinned back at the age of 5 before she's teased at school. Obviously at 5 it will be our decition, not hers, and it will be for purely cosmetic reasons.

What do you think?

My mum used to sellotape my elder sisters' ears back, they were twins

They now have total paranoia about their ears.

My DS has one sticky out ear and one normal. I want to have the sticky out one pinned back but my DH disagrees, thinking it makes him look cute. It does make him look cute but I don't think that's going to wash at secondary school, so I think we will go with the pinning back option. I guess it partly depends on how severe it is.

We all have our different characteristics, and some things we just have to learn to live with.

But, I think the op you are considering is a fairly minor medical procedure (?), and I would certainly do it.

My ds had the choice at around 12 whether he should have his nose temporarily fixed (he was born with a cleft), and he wanted it done. I think these decisions are harder for children when they're older, because they are more aware of the accompanying discomfort.

Good luck!

MrsScavo, my friends dd now in year 1 was teased terribly when she started school because of her ears. At school the girls have to have hair tied back which made her even more upset. It really affected her confidence. Her mum found the decision really difficult but after chats with her daughter, the dr and specialist they agreed to have her ears pinned back. She no longer is teased for her ears, her confidence has grown and there have been no ill side effects. She even has her ears pierced now. She also loves having her hair back.

In the long run think about what your dd would prefer as she gets older.

I had very sticky out ears - and was very very self conscious of them ! My mother was of the "live with it" school and would never have let me have them done. I eventually had them done at the age of about 21 - on the NHS much to my surprise - it was a general anaesthetic, but I came out the same day and had to keep the bandages on for about 3 days. The stitches didn't have to be removed as they were the disssolving type.

My dd's ears stick out very slightly - but nothing like mine did - but if she was bothered about them I would definitely have the operation - although the anaesthetic would be my worry - I think I'd try and wait until 10/11 I think just because of that risk.

Blimey, it's a tough one.

Looking at the banning ear piecing thread, I'm wondering if I'd be violating her in some way.

On the other hand, when DS1 saw her in the bath with wet hair, he pointed and laughed.

If you think it will make her happier, or potentially less likely to get teased, I think you should do it.

It is miserable being "different" at school, and kids pick on any little thing. I wish that I had had mine done as a child - but totally understand my mothers reluctance to put me through an unnecessary cosmetic operation.

I wouldn't ever not let her have it done, if she asked. It was just that the GP had recommended the age af 5. I'd prefer to wait a few years. And I don't think I could ever sugest it to her. I'm her mother, to me she's beautiful and perfect. Is it more creul to wait untill she's teased and unhappy, than just whisk her off without asking?

I'd do it, I think, but it's easy to say when it's not your child having an op. Good luck!

of course she is beautiful and perfect to you. That is why my friend didnt initially do it. However her dd had a really tough time at school and starting school is scary enough.

DD1 has very sticky out ears. She is almost 10 and hasn't noticed yet and neither have her friends. Primary school kids often don't tease the way you expect - secondary can be worse. If it ever bothers her I will be really happy for her to have them done though - minor procedure versus years of misery - no contest.