WWYD?

My3LilMonkeys wrote: Just as a bit of background, I have always said I won't get my daughter's ears pierced until they could decide for themselves - that is just how I feel about it.

But now Brooke (with a little influence from SIL/MIL) wants earrings for Christmas. I'm leaning towards saying yes (DH doesn't really care) but I'm not sure...

What do you all think? Is 3 old enought to make that sort of decision on her own?

Also, I remember when I got mine done you had to wait 6 weeks before you could change the earrings - does anyone know if that's still the case? That would affect how quickly we make the decision since 6 weeks would mean she already can't change them until Jan. 1.

redplaydoh replied: I think she is old enough to decide IF she knows what it means, that it will hurt a little, and she has to clean them with your help of course. Last I knew, that 6 weeks wait was still there, although that would be a great way to start the New Year so it isn't all bad.

CantWait replied: Getting your ears pieced is no bid deal, it's not like a tattoo, so yes I think she's old enough to decide that. Although I would explain to her that getting her ears done would hurt like getting a needle, you might also want to show her how it's done, maybe by trying to find a video on the internet.

At 3, there's the possibility that once she feels the first one go in, she won't co-operate for the second one. Think to yourself how you'll react at that point. I think it's much harder to do the older they get until they reach an age where their understanding is better.

I think all little girls should have earrings, like I said, if it was something that couldn't come off when they were older then I wouldn't make that decision for them, but holes do close so if it wasn't something she wanted then no biggie.

Kentuckychick replied: My best friend and I have had this discussion a lot in the past month because her MIL wants her to pierce her newborn's ears and well, she intends to wait until she's old enough to drive herself to the piercing shop! I've always been of the opinion (of course this is just MY opinion, lol) that a child should not have their ears pierced until they are old enough AND responsible enough to take care of those piercings themselves (meaning old enough to clean their ears, change the rings, not play with them, know if they become infected, etc...) I personally just don't think that it should be about just "wanting" them... I mean if we went by being responsible because we wanted something our children would all drive by the age of 5. I think that a child has to be responsible enough to know how to take care of their body before they start choosing to poke holes in it.

That said, it is your choice. I think a three year old with earrings is a lot different than an infant (which I personally think is absurd unless it's cultural, but again my opinion!) My friend has told her husband that if her MIL brings her daughter home with earrings the papers will be on the table faster than he can say divorce (lol).

gr33n3y3z replied: yes its 6 weeks still

just make sure she understands its going to hurt getting it done
And you know if she doesnt like it or what not you can always let them close up

cameragirl21 replied: i personally am not fond of piercing a very young girl's ears but i think if it's what she wants it's really no big deal because it's not a permanent thing like a tattoo.
i would just let her know that it's gonna hurt a little bit so that she knows what to expect and that way you'll be less likely to encounter problems with her not wanting to do the second ear after they do the first.
good luck with whatever you decide.

Cece00 replied: Well, since I'm one of those ppl who thinks its best to pierce the ears as young as possible (my daughter's were done when she was 6 or 8 wks old, OK'd by the ped) I'd say yes.

And yep, its 6 wks til you can change the earrings.

TANNER'S MOM replied: When they pierce babies or young girls ears they do both at the same time. So, they dont have the change to back out at the sting. I had Britt's done when she was around 6 months old, and she barely whimpered.

I would make sure she would be still for the cleaning and other stuff involved like turning them, if she fights getting her hair combed etc. Then earrings might not be best for her.

Good luck in choosing..

Mel

C&K*s Mommie replied: I would let her go for it.

If you are still uneasy about letting her do it, then clip ons for kids are the next best option. Or even magnetic earrings.

mom2my2cuties replied:
Well that seals it - I can never get my girls ears pierced

I agree pretty much what everyone else has said. For me - I would wait though, but that is because my daughter isn't ready for that kind of responsibility.

My3LilMonkeys replied: Thanks for all the advice - I think we've decided to go for it. I had a talk with her about it hurting and she seems to understand well. She does well with taking care of her things and like several people mentioned - if she doesn't take care of them, we can always just take them out.

Boo&BugsMom replied: My only concern with earrings at an early age is if the backing or earring falls out, the injuries that could happen. Other than that, I don't see an issue with letting her get them. I think you know your child best and know what the best decision would ultimately be.