Quite often I get asked when I plan to pierce Madison’s ears. My response…“When/if she tells me she wants it done.”
As a parent, I believe it is my responsibility to love, protect and educate my child, among so many other things. Even beyond all that, raising a child is full of so many choices. What type of diapers to use, where to send them to daycare, when to call the doctor when they’re sick and the list goes on and on…and on.
From body piercings to tattoos even to plastic surgery (oh my) those type of choices should be hers and hers alone. Will I be there to help her make these decisions? Yes! Will I give my opinion? Yes, to a certain degree! Will I keep her from making certain decisions that I think she’s not quite old enough to make? Definitely, Yes! There will be some that I don’t mind (e.g., ear piercing), and potentially others (e.g., belly button piercing, tramp stamp, etc.) that I won’t be too fond of. Ultimately, it’s my job to teach her that her body is a temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and to have faith that she’ll make good choices concerning it.
In case you’re wondering…will I feel the same way if I have a son? Yes, even in relation to circumcision. But that’s another post for another day :)!
Please note: Although your thoughts and/or criticism are more than welcome, please know that I pass no judgement against those who choose to make certain choices for their child(ren) and I expect the same in return. All of the above is a personal choice. The way that I’ve chosen to raise my child(ren). It’s just a matter of recognizing that there isn’t just one way to raise a child!
Totally agree with you there!! I've had so many come to me telling me I need to pierce Evies ears and I just don't see a need for that and I also see it as taking away a special mama and daughter date memory. 🙂
This is an interesting perspective. This is one of those things I guess you don't think about unless you have a daughter. Your thoughts make me think of the hair issue (to relax the hair or not to relax the hair). My perspective on that has definitely changed over the years, so I can definitely see putting more thought into things like ear piercings too…when I actually have children. Great post!
Nicole I feel what ur sayn and it does make perfect sense! Just like when I see little boys (almost still babies) with dreads.. I feel like the parents made that decision, and what if those kids may not want their hair like that. Let them tell you..
I totally feel the same way. If my daughter wants to pierce her ears, then she can, when she's 10. Personally, when I see a little baby with pierced ears, my heart arches for her (or him!).
I agree there is more than one way to raise a child. And how it's to be done is the parents choice. Great post.
I completely agree with you. I have known parents who pierced their little childrens (yes boys and girls) ears before they evenmleft the hospital when born. And I've known others who said, what a great idea, to that…. HOWEVER, I've been the child. My sister begged to have hers done as a little Girl, she was six or seven when my mom told her, yes, you can have it done. Mind you, I was several years older with unpierced ears. My sister was thrilled with her earrings and every aspect of it. I had no desire to get my ears pierced…. I have my ears pierced now, but you know when I choose to do it, when I was going to my high school prom and wanted to wear pretty earrings with my dress….it was just never important to me until then. And I'm glad I had the choice. I do recall being asked many many many times, and my mother being asked as well, when I was going to pierce my ears. I'm glad you are making the decision my mom did in letting your little girl decide.
This is really a personal decision and I fully support you on this one, Nicole, BTW she looks adorable in that picture. Love you guys~~~~~
YES!!! My mother and grandmother have been breathing down my neck about not piercing Jasmine's ears, and I keep telling them, the day Jasmine gets old enough to tell me "mommy I want my ears pierced" is when I will take her. She is her own little person. She may not want to get her ears pieced. It's not my place to decide that for her. Great post!