Wht age to get a girl's ears pierced?

[McMummy]

I was 5 or 6 when I had mine done, I'd prob let Sadie have hers done at a similar age if she wanted to, but def small studs only.... and maybe nearer the time I'll have changed my mind.

[*kate*]

Kate, I thought children under a certain age had to have parental permission to have any piercings?

I think they do, but most 14 yr olds look a whole lot older than they are! And I'm sure there are less reputable places that'll let a teenager be pierced. Or they do it themselves.

[RedTiger]

My DD is 13 and not in the slightest bit interested in having her ears pierced - it's me that keeps asking her if she wants them done

[Daisy66]

My DD is 13 and not in the slightest bit interested in having her ears pierced - it's me that keeps asking her if she wants them done

That's the damnedest thing about kids, isn't it. So contrary!

[RedTiger]

She does drive me sometimes as she is happy to look like a tramp - no interest in hair, make-up etc. On the other hand I see pictures on facebook of the girls she used to be friends with at primary school with their hair & make up all done and boyfriends in tow and I think I prefer it the way DD is!

[Toybox]

Toy box, what were your reasons for getting them done so young? I know round here it's cultural, those with Nigerian heritage assume a child is male if no earrings. It just seems too much of a pita and infection/ injury risk on small children to me, and I'm not keen on how it looks, and I'm sure the children don't care!

I just didn't see it as a problem to be honest. My ears were done when I was 6 months and I just wanted to do the same for my girls.
I never new that some people saw it as an issue, but I really don't. It was really easy to keep it clean and they never got an infection.
Their earrings have never been taken out (apart from cleaning) for long periods of time and years later both their holes are now permanent....so they have options when they are older.
To wear earrings, or not to wear earrings!
either way, its done, they weren't aware and have no memory of it.

Nothing cultural, just preference.
My girls are 4 & 5

[guinness]

Those of you who say you'll wait until your child's a teen - I can't imagine my dd1 just accepting a "no"

I'm the mum, that's why she'd accept a "no" - plus they'd get taken straight out. and she'd have to get to town alone, find the money and somewhere to do it wthout consent (do kids still really pierce their own ears?? ) Like with a cork and a needle and a lighter??

[Jelly]

I'm the mum, that's why she'd accept a "no" - plus they'd get taken straight out. and she'd have to get to town alone, find the money and somewhere to do it wthout consent (do kids still really pierce their own ears?? ) Like with a cork and a needle and a lighter??

I remember a guy in my year doing his with a compass It went horrible and septic.

I

[Chell]

DD1 threw up when I used a needle to remove a splinter. I can't see her wanting her ears pierced, she is too squeamish.

My brother pierced his own belly button years ago.

[scatterbrain]

I think I was probably quite young (maybe 6).

Elena has asked about it on occasion, but so for I haven't let her have them done. The main reasons are that she would need to stop her gymnastics classes until they could be taken out. She would also have to miss school swimming lessons & PE if they can't be taken out. I was helping at the school nursery with swimming yesterday & several of the little girls (who's parents were reminded) weren't allowed to swim because they had earings in & the staff/parent helpers aren't allowed to take them out for them. Aparently plasters over the ears aren't allowed any more.

I have no personal objection/dislike to children with earings. I would probably say if they want them then do it when they are old enough to take them out & replace them themselves responsibly and also at the beginnjing of the school holidays so they don't have any negative issues with school/clubs. If they do any out of school clubs they are likely to be upset about missing check first (British Gymnastics classes don't allow any jewellry & I don't think many public pools do either).