Teen has come back off holiday with a tattoo

[GreenTartan]

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.

What on earth is it that he chose without realising what it is???

He’s definitely well rid of the girl. And mum, what if he needs you to be strong and support him through any difficulties he might have in the future? You’re showing him that you are not resilient. It’s him that won’t trust you.

Just re-reading it.. Such a gem!

“It’s just a tattoo,” he says, when the silence goes on so long that we have nearly fallen over the edge of it into a pit of black nothingness. “It’s not as if I came home and said I’d got someone pregnant.”

It seems to me, unhinged by shock, that this might have been the better option.

His father asks, “Does it hurt?”

“Yes,” I say, cutting across this male bonding. “It does. Very much.”

For three days, I can’t speak to my son. I can hardly bear to look at him. I decide this is rational.

Why are you booking removal sessions and loaning him money?

If he wants rid of the tattoo he can earn the money and arrange the removal sessions.

Seems improbable he didn’t know about the drugs reference.

And those saying it won't hinder his career, I disagree. Whilst it's not forbidden in most jobs, I would most definitely avoid hiring someone who had a visible drug related tattoo. It gives off the wrong vibe to our clients.

Buuut... it's not on his cheek or back of his hand. It's on his wrist. If you run a formal-leaning business, he would be wearing a jacket and shirt probably with a watch anyway, so unless he's really gone overboard and oversized, it wouldn't show either at interview or during client-facing meetings. If you're a hoodies and t-shirts kind of workplace, then tattoos are probably par for the course.

@GreenTartan would a chunky watch cover it?

Firstly, let it heal properly. I doubt any tattooist or laxer removal place will tackle a tattoo that is still healing.

Secondly, lazer removal is very painful and not always 100% effective depending on the colour in the design, so he may be better seeking out a skilled tattooist and seeing if they can do a design over the top.

@Theworldisquiethere I can. He’s 17 and a half.

@saltedcaramel87

Just re-reading it.. Such a gem!

“It’s just a tattoo,” he says, when the silence goes on so long that we have nearly fallen over the edge of it into a pit of black nothingness. “It’s not as if I came home and said I’d got someone pregnant.”

It seems to me, unhinged by shock, that this might have been the better option.

His father asks, “Does it hurt?”

“Yes,” I say, cutting across this male bonding. “It does. Very much.”

For three days, I can’t speak to my son. I can hardly bear to look at him. I decide this is rational.

God that was pretty much my mums reaction to mine. I don't think she spoke to me for a week

OP I have a wrist tattoo that I can easily cover with a watch/bracelet. It's not hindered me in any of my jobs, and that's including NHS and a prestige car brand

@SunnyAgain

I would be gutted and very upset too in your situation. I know they are not unusual these days, and it’s not a popular opinion but I really dislike tattoos and hope my children don’t decide to get one. I completely understand your reaction.

Me too!

I also wouldn't be paying to get it removed.

He found the money to have it done & can find the money to have it removed.

As for his gf-good for her !

Unless it’s a swastika you’re being unreasonable.

It’s a tattoo, should he have gotten it on holiday? No. Do teenagers do stupid things? Yes.

He can have whatever career he wants with a long sleeve shirt and a watch on that wrist.

Calm down. He doesn’t need laser removal. He was old enough to get a tattoo, he’s old enough to deal with the consequences.

But for some more practical advice @GreenTartan - this isn't a big deal and if it is he can use dermablend to cover it up for work if not possible by a watch.

www.dermablend.com/body-makeup/by-concern-body-makeup/tattoo-cover-up

My mum killed me at 16 for getting a tattoo

It's the zombie apocalypse!

@GreenTartan

It's a tattoo associated with drugs, which he didn't realise!

Thanks for the support, it's just a shock. Fucking muppet!

And I'm upset that I can't trust him, he's just an eejit!

I'm calmer now.

Thanks for listening to my rant. Yes he's def going to have to pay for it to get removed. I agree! He's phoned work to ask for extra hours.

He can get it covered up with a much more appropriate tattoo. Send him to a local place that’s recommended. BTW, where did he get the tattoo done?

[quote Cissyandflora]@Theworldisquiethere I can. He’s 17 and a half.[/quote]
Can you point me to where it says that? Not trying to argue I just genuinely can’t see it!

Even in the NHS face-to-face roles tattoos aren't as frowned upon as they used to be .(though a drug related one would be a No)

But no long sleeves or watches due to handwashing/infection control.
The gloves cover though !

@Theworldisquiethere it’s in the OP. Not the actual words- but I’d bet my own beautiful tattoos that he is very nearly 18. If he was 16 OP would have said that straight off. Even just 17. But he’s nearly 18. I’m right OP aren’t I?

I got a half sleeve. It’s never impacted a job, I’m a professional.
What career is it op?

@SoupDragon

My mum killed me at 16 for getting a tattoo

It's the zombie apocalypse!

Was that the whole quote ?

Just to say I've read every single reply. Didn't expect so many especially on the teenagers section! Must be quiet AIBU Day!!

So thank you all. Especially the ones who've made me feel better!! As the PP who's DD got a piercing said, it's a trust issue too.

A lot of the posts made me giggle though! Don't usually get Mnet Bingo in this subject!

We've had the grammar Nazi, the "kool kids", the "OMG you're overreacting" just need the "well you sound hard work/controlling" and the "Peary clutching" and I'd have a Full House :)

We've even had the completely made shit up." Posts!! Where oh where have I said he was 17 and a half or nearly 18???

Anyway thank you (sane) posters. Fucking teenagers eh?

He didn't realise it was associated with drugs?
A likely story.
You may have something more than just a tattoo to be crying over.

Jesus what an over reaction!

Lol @ “my mum killed me” 😂

[quote Cissyandflora]@Theworldisquiethere it’s in the OP. Not the actual words- but I’d bet my own beautiful tattoos that he is very nearly 18. If he was 16 OP would have said that straight off. Even just 17. But he’s nearly 18. I’m right OP aren’t I?[/quote]
Looks like I was right!

I have tattoos, including one on my wrist and one on my finger, have also had hair of every colour, currently blue and purple. My tattoos have never had any impact on my career and I'm in a Director position for a large global organisation.

What career will be affected by a wrist tattoo in this day and age?

But what is the tattoo @GreenTartan?!

All sounds very melodramatic. Not great if it’s associated with drugs but he could easily get it covered with a different tattoo/wear a wristband or watch/wear long sleeves. I seriously doubt it will affect his career prospects and I think you’ve overreacted massively.