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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

Teen has come back off holiday with a tattoo

473 replies

GreenTartan · 28/08/2021 15:39

That's it really. He's under 18 and has a fucking tattoo on his wrist.

I'm devastated. I know they're very fashionable but that's not the point. If we'd discussed it I'd have obviously made sure he waited until he was 18. The legal age!! I'd suggested he put it somewhere it couldn't be seen with a shirt on.

As it is he won't be able to do the career he wants with a fucking tattoo on his wrist.

I know MNet will jump down my throat but I'm devastated.

We're booked for consultation to get it laser removed but fuck knows how I'm going to afford it,

His girlfriend has dumped him over it and he really regrets getting it done.

I'm just posting here to moan really, can't stop crying. Stupid stupid little boy.

OP posts:
SimonJT · 29/08/2021 09:37

@BabyRace

So OP is devastated, reads every post and ignores all the questions. I call bullshit.
Shes probably too busy crying and shaking!
Blossomtoes · 29/08/2021 09:40

Shes probably too busy crying and shaking!

Oh, is she at the Sistine Chapel? Perhaps the tattoo is the Sistine Chapel.

BabyRace · 29/08/2021 09:44

Still don't even know how old the son is, or why he was on holiday without an adult

Patapouf · 29/08/2021 09:46

Christ get a grip.

It's not going to ruin his life or his career. He can cover it with a watch strap in all likelihood!

His GF was ridiculous to dump him over it, he has bodily autonomy whether he's 17 or 18.

Cissyandflora · 29/08/2021 09:58

He will be 18 this year. Let him have autonomy over his body.

Whatishappenin · 29/08/2021 10:09

My son got our (parents and siblings) birthdates tattooed on holiday when he was a teenager. He got my birthdate wrong….

helentomelon · 29/08/2021 10:25

@Whatishappenin

My son got our (parents and siblings) birthdates tattooed on holiday when he was a teenager. He got my birthdate wrong….
Brilliant 😂
SoupDragon · 29/08/2021 10:30

@Cissyandflora

He will be 18 this year. Let him have autonomy over his body.
No he won't.
helentomelon · 29/08/2021 10:38

It might not have been illegal in the country he was in... Spain is 14 and France is 16.

poolblue · 29/08/2021 10:38

I'm another one wondering what career would be stopped by a small tattoo that can easily be covered up. Do tell OP.

RumpoleoftheBaileys · 29/08/2021 10:48

I'm also at the criminal Bar. We are not all stuffy twats.

Many colleagues have tattoos and I have never once heard of a Judge contacting a Head of Chambers about the same. They'd be told to sod off if they did.

Likewise, unless it was something incredibly distracting, I would never hold a tattoo against someone applying for pupillage.

Funnily enough, I was thinking earlier about getting one on my wrist.

The poster above was correct about no funky suits though.

wheresmymojo · 29/08/2021 10:54

Tattoos really aren't the end of his career potential - you're either massively catastrophising or stuck in the world of 20 years ago.

Loads of managers I work with have tattoos including full arm sleeves.

I have quite a big tattoo on my wrist and am in a mid level management role in a corporate job.

MondayYogurt · 29/08/2021 10:54

His GF can dump him over whatever she likes. She doesn't even need to give a reason.

wheresmymojo · 29/08/2021 11:00
  • Agreed- it amazes me that people are willing to say that no career bans them when they can't possibly know that. I have hired models in the past for life drawing classes, and though I have hired models with tattoos for group work when the group was agreeable, I wouldn't employ a model with one for my own work, and I would definitely prefer not to if I was teaching. And I know other artists who feel the same. Tattoos destroy form, and I've never seen one that I didn't consider unsightly. If the lad was under 18, whoever did it should be in trouble.*

Sure...because 'professional life model' is likely to be his career of choice Hmm

wheresmymojo · 29/08/2021 11:05

@HeronLanyon

galloway I’m at the Bar. Pupillage and tenancy committees would still be astonished at a visible tattoo. Really just for lack of judgment. So too would judges in court.

It's yet another way of enforcing the class rules without explicitly stating it...

ThanksIGotItInMorrisons · 29/08/2021 11:55

Couldn’t he just get a cover up instead of removal? Something inoffensive.

happinessischocolate · 29/08/2021 12:08

I still want to know what career you can't have with a tattoo on your wrist?

happinessischocolate · 29/08/2021 12:11

@Blossomtoes

Shes probably too busy crying and shaking!

Oh, is she at the Sistine Chapel? Perhaps the tattoo is the Sistine Chapel.

GrinGrin
Ozberry · 29/08/2021 13:08

I think the fact it’s a drugs tattoo is a problem. Most workplaces wouldn’t mind something arty or personal, but if it gives the impression you’re into drugs, that’s a bit different.

MyPatronusIsACat · 29/08/2021 13:25

@BabyRace

So OP is devastated, reads every post and ignores all the questions. I call bullshit.

@SimonJT

She's probably too busy crying and shaking!

Ba ha ha ha ha!!! Grin

WTFIsTheAnswerToThis · 29/08/2021 14:04

You see this is exactly why DC need to be able to approach their parents about stuff like this. I knew a couple of my DC wanted tattoos as soon as they turned 18 - I love tattoos and have my own and DH is covered, but we all know that what we think is cool at 18 - we don't always feel the same about later on in life...I made sure they went to a very good artist (also they will be booked up for months in advance which gives them time to change their mind Wink) and things like black and grey line work rather than colour as it's easier to cover up/work into a redesign if wanted later. (Definitely not laser removal!) And bearing that in mind for placement too. Somewhere easier to cover up with clothing, or rework into larger design later. They should also research and ask their artist about aftercare (clingfilm debate, which cream etc)

I also think it's preferable not to follow trends now tattoos are more mainstream, eg the watercolours that were popular recently (won't age well without retouching IMO) and they date you - for example women my age have moon and stars at the base of their spine, and men my age have Celtic armbands Grin

The good artist is the most important point I think, as you want a proper artistic piece which is worth waiting for, not a piece of shit flash that you can walk in anywhere and get the day you're 18 (and under Hmm)

Also tattoos (IMO) are addictive as well as expensive. DC need to know to save up some proper money for them. It's the absolute worst thing you can skimp on!

Also, I think Kat von D cover up camouflage is better than Dermablend. (A friend of mine was asked to cover up her (perfectly "normal" and lovely) tattoos for a wedding as the bride didn't want them in the photos Hmm Friend actually covered them! And didn't start an AIBU MN thread about the bride which I totally would have done

WTFIsTheAnswerToThis · 29/08/2021 14:05

Grin at Simon btw!!!

ThreeWitches · 29/08/2021 14:25

@wheresmymojo

* Agreed- it amazes me that people are willing to say that no career bans them when they can't possibly know that. I have hired models in the past for life drawing classes, and though I have hired models with tattoos for group work when the group was agreeable, I wouldn't employ a model with one for my own work, and I would definitely prefer not to if I was teaching. And I know other artists who feel the same. Tattoos destroy form, and I've never seen one that I didn't consider unsightly. If the lad was under 18, whoever did it should be in trouble.*

Sure...because 'professional life model' is likely to be his career of choice Hmm

Loooool
CombatBarbie · 29/08/2021 14:27

@QueenOfHell669

Many office roles and also military roles don’t accept people with tattoos on their wrists/hands. But that would depend on the role and probably how big it is too. A pea sized tattoo would probably get a different reaction versus one that covers the entire wrist or back of the wrist/hand. I think the police are funny about it too especially if it’s drug related…

Anyway, yanbu to be upset but it’s his body, his life etc.

The military one went out years ago! I know many who have their hands and necks done.... It wasn't a battle worth fighting in terms of retention.

The police, same.....

I can only think it's a weed leaf which should be fairly simple to cover up.

ThreeWitches · 29/08/2021 14:32

One of my professors at uni - the head of the subject - had a fabulous sleeve tattoo.

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