by Bethany Vanderzand

Created on: April 29, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

The decision to pierce a child's ears, and at what age it should take place, should be completely up to the child. Piercings are the decoration and beautification of the body and should be the decision of the owner of that body (which is NOT you, parents! - regarless of legal "ownership" of those under the age of 18). If your child is too young to choose whether or not he wants his ears pierced, then the parents should have enough respect for their child and his wishes to wait until he is old enough to make the decision for himself. You wouldn't tattoo an infant, or pierce his nose, would you? Piercing a baby's ears can be equated to any other bodily piercing, and is no less outrageous or disgusting then piercing a baby's nipples, regardless of how socially acceptable pierced ears may be. One body modification is just like any other, and should be a matter of personal choice - not whether or not the parent wants her baby to look good, or to "get the piercing out of the way now, since the child (if a girl) will most likely want her ears pierced eventually".

My mother asked me if I wanted my ears pierced when I was eight years old, and I told her "no". She offered to have them pierced every year thereafter, and I still did not want to have it done. I finally made the decision to be pierced when I was ready and responsible enough to care for my piercings and to really understand what I was doing. I was twelve years old. Maturity, responsibility, and likes or dislikes (in this case, liking or disliking piercings) varies from person to person. Your child may hate the idea of piercings. Your child may be scared or extremely sensitive to pain. Or your child may be eager and ready to get pierced at four or five years of age. I was not ready until much later in life, and I am convinced that had my ears been pierced earlier, I would have neglected to care for them resulting in infection, pain, and scarring.

My friend's niece had her ears pierced when she was an infant and accidentally ripped her ear-rings out on three separate occasions. Young children do not understand the importance of taking care of piercings, nor do they know how to do it. Young children play and rough-house, and can easily tear out their piercings. Young children get dirty, and are at a higher risk of infection since their immunities are still developing. Piercing any part of a child's body without their understanding and consent is selfish, irresponsible, inconsiderate, and just plain stupid. Don't assume their going to want it done in the future, and don't inconvenience or hurt your child because you want her to look stylish.

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