My Dad's Comment Re: Ear Piercing

Princessn678 · August 2010

So today my Dad asks me what we are up to for the day. So I told him we were going to get DD ears pierced. He didn't say anything.

Well I just got done talking to my mom who tells me that it really is bothering my Dad that we got her ear pierced. I asked why and she said she didn't know why but that he didn't think it was right that we were altering her body without her consent. WTF??? Don't we as parents make a lot of descisions without our children's consent? They he went on to say that I am decorating my child...WOW!!! I just had no idea that he felt that strongly about how I am taking care of my child.

IrishBrideND · August 2010

I actually agree with your dad. Yes we do things with out their consent, but generally for health reasons (like shots). Not for purely "decorative" reasons. JMO.

But its a personal decision. I don't think anyone is a bad parent for doing so, but I am personally very anti.

ashnoelle · August 2010

IrishBrideND:
I actually agree with your dad. Yes we do things with out their consent, but generally for health reasons (like shots). Not for purely "decorative" reasons. JMO.

But its a personal decision. I don't think anyone is a bad parent for doing so, but I am personally very anti.

This completely. But of course you are not alone in your decision. Many parents opt to pierce their child's ears.

msmous · August 2010

Yeah, sorry, I'm with your dad. I think that should be the child's decision when they get older.

ETA: But you are the parent, not him, he doesn't have to agree with everything you do.

cajungirl0717 · August 2010

Don't let what your dad said make you feel bad. I pierced LO's ears 2 weeks ago. My ears were pierced when I was 4 months. Every one has different view points on this. I never had a question about the piercing until I got on the boards. Where I am from, ppl pierce their little girl's ears.

ttimmerman · August 2010

I also agree with your dad. I know parents do it, but I wouldn't risk a possible infection just for cosmetic reasons. I personally also don't like the way it looks - like she's wearing lipstick or something. NMS.

JCouram · August 2010

Since working at Claire's Boutique when I was 18...I totally agree with your father. It would break my heart when people would bring their infants in and when I would pierce their ears and they would scream bloody murder. The only way we could turn people away is if the child was older and said that they didn't want to get their ears pierced...

So because the infant couldn't object, we had to do it. I just think it should be the child's decision. Infants are incredibly curious and I would be too afraid that they would pull on their ears and hurt themselves...piercing earrings are pretty sharp!!

Temp536318000007725 · August 2010

ashnoelle:
IrishBrideND:
I actually agree with your dad. Yes we do things with out their consent, but generally for health reasons (like shots). Not for purely "decorative" reasons. JMO.

But its a personal decision. I don't think anyone is a bad parent for doing so, but I am personally very anti.
This completely. But of course you are not alone in your decision. Many parents opt to pierce their child's ears.

I agree. It's not NMS to do this, but if it's yours then don't let your dad's comment bug you.

missyjg · August 2010

I have to agree with your dad, and technically you are "decorating" your child. But you are the parent and right now it's ultimately your choice.

IrishBrideND · August 2010

JCouram:

Since working at Claire's Boutique when I was 18...I totally agree with your father. It would break my heart when people would bring their infants in and when I would pierce their ears and they would scream bloody murder. The only way we could turn people away is if the child was older and said that they didn't want to get their ears pierced...

So because the infant couldn't object, we had to do it. I just think it should be the child's decision. Infants are incredibly curious and I would be too afraid that they would pull on their ears and hurt themselves...piercing earrings are pretty sharp!!

Thats really interesting. So they apparently do see the child has having ability to consent (they turn them away if child says no) yet don't think that infants get consent. That policy seems strange to me.

Thank you for sharing.

JCouram · August 2010

IrishBrideND:
JCouram:

Since working at Claire's Boutique when I was 18...I totally agree with your father. It would break my heart when people would bring their infants in and when I would pierce their ears and they would scream bloody murder. The only way we could turn people away is if the child was older and said that they didn't want to get their ears pierced...

So because the infant couldn't object, we had to do it. I just think it should be the child's decision. Infants are incredibly curious and I would be too afraid that they would pull on their ears and hurt themselves...piercing earrings are pretty sharp!!

Thats really interesting. So they apparently do see the child has having ability to consent (they turn them away if child says no) yet don't think that infants get consent. That policy seems strange to me.

Thank you for sharing.

Well, how can an infant really give their consent? And I was told that by my district manager because we had an instance where my co-worker had a girl who didn't want their ears pierced but the mother said just do it anyway. So my co-worker attempted to do it but the girl jerked her head when she did it and the earring went in very crooked and the mother threatened to sue...not too pretty. So we were told after that if the child says no...then don't do it. I don't know if it's Claire's as a whole policy but it was definitely our stores policy because of that mother's reaction.

acaudill042106 · August 2010

IrishBrideND:

I actually agree with your dad. Yes we do things with out their consent, but generally for health reasons (like shots). Not for purely "decorative" reasons. JMO.

But its a personal decision. I don't think anyone is a bad parent for doing so, but I am personally very anti.

Couldnt agree w/ this more...

IrishBrideND · August 2010

JCouram:
IrishBrideND:
JCouram:

Since working at Claire's Boutique when I was 18...I totally agree with your father. It would break my heart when people would bring their infants in and when I would pierce their ears and they would scream bloody murder. The only way we could turn people away is if the child was older and said that they didn't want to get their ears pierced...

So because the infant couldn't object, we had to do it. I just think it should be the child's decision. Infants are incredibly curious and I would be too afraid that they would pull on their ears and hurt themselves...piercing earrings are pretty sharp!!

Thats really interesting. So they apparently do see the child has having ability to consent (they turn them away if child says no) yet don't think that infants get consent. That policy seems strange to me.

Thank you for sharing.

Well, how can an infant really give their consent? And I was told that by my district manager because we had an instance where my co-worker had a girl who didn't want their ears pierced but the mother said just do it anyway. So my co-worker attempted to do it but the girl jerked her head when she did it and the earring went in very crooked and the mother threatened to sue...not too pretty. So we were told after that if the child says no...then don't do it. I don't know if it's Claire's as a whole policy but it was definitely our stores policy because of that mother's reaction.

well I know. But I'm surprised then that they actually allow their employees to pierce infant ears given their policy with older kids, is all

But now that you explained the reason for the policy, I understand it.

JCouram · August 2010

IrishBrideND:
JCouram:
IrishBrideND:
JCouram:

Since working at Claire's Boutique when I was 18...I totally agree with your father. It would break my heart when people would bring their infants in and when I would pierce their ears and they would scream bloody murder. The only way we could turn people away is if the child was older and said that they didn't want to get their ears pierced...

So because the infant couldn't object, we had to do it. I just think it should be the child's decision. Infants are incredibly curious and I would be too afraid that they would pull on their ears and hurt themselves...piercing earrings are pretty sharp!!

Thats really interesting. So they apparently do see the child has having ability to consent (they turn them away if child says no) yet don't think that infants get consent. That policy seems strange to me.

Thank you for sharing.

Well, how can an infant really give their consent? And I was told that by my district manager because we had an instance where my co-worker had a girl who didn't want their ears pierced but the mother said just do it anyway. So my co-worker attempted to do it but the girl jerked her head when she did it and the earring went in very crooked and the mother threatened to sue...not too pretty. So we were told after that if the child says no...then don't do it. I don't know if it's Claire's as a whole policy but it was definitely our stores policy because of that mother's reaction.

well I know. But I'm surprised then that they actually allow their employees to pierce infant ears given their policy with older kids, is all

But now that you explained the reason for the policy, I understand it.

It was unfortunate too because the little girl looked so scared and kept crying for her mom not to make her and the mother was SOOOOO for it. I should have known it was going to end badly. And please, do you really think they are going to turn away money?

violetblue72 · August 2010

IrishBrideND:

I actually agree with your dad. Yes we do things with out their consent, but generally for health reasons (like shots). Not for purely "decorative" reasons. JMO.

But its a personal decision. I don't think anyone is a bad parent for doing so, but I am personally very anti.

Ditto

Raffes484 · August 2010

I wouldn't let it bother you. Just as with anything else, you're the parent and for now, it's your choice. We had my DD's ears pierced on her 1st birthday. Yes, she cried...for about 30 seconds and only after they pierced the second ear.

Aknight1986 · August 2010

I'm also against it. My mom had my ears pierced when I was a baby and I had an allergic reaction to the metal in the earrings. Apparently I broke out in hives and blood was pouring out of the holes the next day. My mom said she could never forgive herself for that. Make sure you get solid gold posts because those are the only kind I can wear.

marya220 · August 2010

Princessn678:
So today my Dad asks me what we are up to for the day. So I told him we were going to get DD ears pierced. He didn't say anything.
Well I just got done talking to my mom who tells me that it really is bothering my Dad that we got her ear pierced. I asked why and she said she didn't know why but that he didn't think it was right that we were altering her body without her consent. WTF??? Don't we as parents make a lot of descisions without our children's consent? They he went on to say that I am decorating my child...WOW!!! I just had no idea that he felt that strongly about how I am taking care of my child.

I'm thinking about getting DD's ears pierced soon. Can you tell me how it went? Did she cry too much? Did it heal ok? My DD sleeps on her side so I'm wondering if that'll hurt her the first few days...? Also, where did you get it done?

LaurelBee · August 2010

msmous:

Yeah, sorry, I'm with your dad. I think that should be the child's decision when they get older.

ETA: But you are the parent, not him, he doesn't have to agree with everything you do.

Exactly this- and feel free to remind him of this next time he brings it up.

Princessn678 · August 2010

marya220:
Princessn678:
So today my Dad asks me what we are up to for the day. So I told him we were going to get DD ears pierced. He didn't say anything.
Well I just got done talking to my mom who tells me that it really is bothering my Dad that we got her ear pierced. I asked why and she said she didn't know why but that he didn't think it was right that we were altering her body without her consent. WTF??? Don't we as parents make a lot of descisions without our children's consent? They he went on to say that I am decorating my child...WOW!!! I just had no idea that he felt that strongly about how I am taking care of my child.
I'm thinking about getting DD's ears pierced soon. Can you tell me how it went? Did she cry too much? Did it heal ok? My DD sleeps on her side so I'm wondering if that'll hurt her the first few days...? Also, where did you get it done?

She cried less then when she gets her shots, she was done within 2-3 minutes. And then she was all smiles and laughter like nothing happened. This evening when I cleaned then she didn't even bat an eyelash. She sleeps with her head to the side, and had no problem going to sleep as usual.

I didn't think so many people would be against ear piercing. But I think she looks so cute with them. And I also wanted to add that my parents waited until I was older, it is the tradition in my DH family to have it done before 6 months old. Otherwise I might have waited but it was something DH really wanted to do and strongly believes in.

LaurelBee · August 2010

Spring Mommy:
I thought I was the only one in this world, but I 100% agree with your dad. I think we do make decisions for our children, but they should be regarding their health, education, etc. (and not permanent body changes.) Ie. pierced ears, circumcision, plastic surgery. If my daughter was born with a big nose, I wouldnt get plastic surgery on it... I'd let her decide what to do. I think my opinion is very rare though and I dont really blame those that do this kind of stuff without thinking about it the way I do.

Although I agree it should be a child's decision, your theory is totally strange. There is a HUGE difference between getting earings and plastic surgery. So many I won't even begin to point them out...

marya220 · August 2010

Princessn678:
marya220:
Princessn678:
So today my Dad asks me what we are up to for the day. So I told him we were going to get DD ears pierced. He didn't say anything.
Well I just got done talking to my mom who tells me that it really is bothering my Dad that we got her ear pierced. I asked why and she said she didn't know why but that he didn't think it was right that we were altering her body without her consent. WTF??? Don't we as parents make a lot of descisions without our children's consent? They he went on to say that I am decorating my child...WOW!!! I just had no idea that he felt that strongly about how I am taking care of my child.
I'm thinking about getting DD's ears pierced soon. Can you tell me how it went? Did she cry too much? Did it heal ok? My DD sleeps on her side so I'm wondering if that'll hurt her the first few days...? Also, where did you get it done?
She cried less then when she gets her shots, she was done within 2-3 minutes. And then she was all smiles and laughter like nothing happened. This evening when I cleaned then she didn't even bat an eyelash. She sleeps with her head to the side, and had no problem going to sleep as usual.
I didn't think so many people would be against ear piercing. But I think she looks so cute with them. And I also wanted to add that my parents waited until I was older, it is the tradition in my DH family to have it done before 6 months old. Otherwise I might have waited but it was something DH really wanted to do and strongly believes in.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to piercing hers soon and this makes me feel slightly at ease

pom-mom · August 2010

I moved to the US from Australia about seven years ago. Prior to coming here, I had never seen a baby with their ears pierced and never even heard of people doing such a thing. The first time I saw a baby with pierced ears, I literally stopped in my tracks, and I am pretty sure my jaw dropped to the floor. I couldn't believe what I was seeing.

I get that some parents want their DDs to look like DDs, and earrings are a way to do this when they are bald as a cue ball, but it just seems totally crazy to me. When I was growing up, I had to beg and plead with my parents to let me get my ears pierced and it finally happened when I was 13, and "old enough to take care of them myself". And people saying they do it when their DDs and really young so that they won't have issues with infections, or because it is easier to take care of the piercing when they are so little, sounds like a bunch of fooey to me.

ANJ410 · August 2010

I guess I am in the minority on the boards, but in real life where I live, it is very popular and acceptable to get a baby's ears pierced. I had DD's done when she was 3 months old and I adore how she looks with earrings. I was 4 or 5 when I got mine done and I remember being so excited. I couldn't wait to wear earrings. To each their own.

Azrayla · August 2010

JCouram:
Since working at Claire's Boutique when I was 18...I totally agree with your father. It would break my heart when people would bring their infants in and when I would pierce their ears and they would scream bloody murder. The only way we could turn people away is if the child was older and said that they didn't want to get their ears pierced...
So because the infant couldn't object, we had to do it. I just think it should be the child's decision. Infants are incredibly curious and I would be too afraid that they would pull on their ears and hurt themselves...piercing earrings are pretty sharp!!

we got DDs ears pierced a week after her 2 month shots.. Her earrings have safety backs and she never pulled or reached for them..she cried a total of maybe 15 seconds. (It was mixed with hunger cries too) The woman who pierced her ears said it was the noise that scared them. The actual piercing does not hurt. I got mine as a baby and my second holes around age 6.

Obviously, I dont agree with OP's father.. You're the parents it wont harm her either way and if she doesnt want them..guess what she can take them out later!

IrishBrideND · August 2010

Azrayla:

The woman who pierced her ears said it was the noise that scared them. The actual piercing does not hurt.

are baby ears magically not sensitve like adult ears? Because I had mine done twice (2 holes) when I was older and it hurt every time.

MelonieK · August 2010

I'm going to jump into the UO end of the pool on this. I simply don't think it's that big of a deal. I had DD1's ears pierced at 9 weeks. She cried for about 10 seconds and that was it. She never pulled or played with them, and I was vigilant about cleaning them before each diaper change while my hands were clean. When she was 6 and going through her tomboy phase, she decided she didn't want them anymore, so we took them out. Now that she's 11, she's totally girl and has started wearing them again.

JCouram · August 2010

IrishBrideND:
Azrayla:

The woman who pierced her ears said it was the noise that scared them. The actual piercing does not hurt.

are baby ears magically not sensitve like adult ears? Because I had mine done twice (2 holes) when I was older and it hurt every time.

I was thinking the same thing...I had mine done 9 times in each ear when I worked at Claire's and it stung pretty much every time.

PlainandTall · August 2010

I'm curious how you managed to grow up without knowing about your dad's feelings about this... how did your own ear piercing go down? I guess sometimes we do wind up having very different opinions about things than our parents- it's just odd to me that you have such positive attitudes about infant piercing and his opinion comes to you as a shocker.

(I don't have pierced ears)

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