"I was just wondering what others think about nose peircings, my daughter is almost 15 and she wants to get her nose done. It is something important to her, she has a good argument, i just dont want to let her get it done. She says that she will pay for it, it wont involve me in anyway, if she decides later in life that she doesnt want it anymore she would take it out. I really dont know what to say. What would you say to this, and why."
Denise's thoughts:
It is my opinion that any permanent change to one's body that would make one stand out and may very well be a source of embarrassment in the future should be avoid until one reaches the age of adulthood and can support oneself. At this point one has been through enough life experiences to be better able to make that decision. Until then, it should be avoided.
Now this opinion has lead to quite a bit of email, as you can imagine. The dominant reason for piercings seems to be, according to the email, the expression of one's individually. That's fine - for an adult who is self-supporting and thereby considered mature enough to permanently change their appearance. The adolescent lifestage is all about becoming an individual. So instead, hand her a brochure for your area's classes on art, jewelry making, auto care, finance classes, etc. Tell to become an individual from the inside-out and that you'll support whatever decision she makes about piercings when she is older.
The Answers from the Parenting of Adolescents Forum:
The employers around here that normally give kids there first job won't hire them. I personally know a couple of these people so know that there are things that no matter how wonderful you come across they won't even consider you with piercings (other than 1 0r 2 ear holes) or tattoos that are anywhere near visible. That is a fact that she needs to consider. - Barb
Read more about this thread here: General Parenting Advice - Nose Piercings
