Teen belly button piercing

[Anonymous]

My 15-year-old wants to get one. I reflexively said no. But then I started thinking. Is it so awful in the scheme of things? She has no desire to pierce anything on her face at least. And unlike those second ear holes so derided on this forum it will only show on occasion. It does look like there is concern about infection if not cleaned scrupulously, but she's pretty good about that kind of stuff. Opinions?

[Anonymous]

Allowing her to do this could be part of a larger lesson about being responsible for her body. It can always be taken out, won't show, etc.

Now, those face piercings! That's where I'd draw the line.

[Anonymous]

I just want to add that there should be a discussion about all of this that covers why she's doing it and what she hopes people will think. Fifteen feels a bit early, but I was a late bloomer. At any rate, I think the sexualization of the body should be discussed. I'd have this talk with the first clingy dress, short skirt, or grown up bikini.

[Anonymous]

There was a thread recently about people's perceptions of belly piercings on teens. You should search for it. And I agree with PP who raises sexualization. Who's going to see it? What message?

[Anonymous]

belly button piercings, IMO, are juvenile and look ridiculous once you are out of college. so by definition its probably more appropriate for a teen. never had one personally but i'm not a fan of piercings (my own hang up about things going in and out of your skin, not a judgement on "girls who have them"). maybe put it off by saying "for your 16th birthday" and see if its still a desire by then?

[Anonymous]

I got one after college, if you'd like me to post a photo so she can see what it looks like after 3 kids to dissuade her, let me know.

[Anonymous]

So not cool anymore.

[Anonymous]

I wanted to get a belly button piercing when I was 15 and my parents said absolutely not, if I did I would not be allowed to get my drivers license. So I got one. Loved it and Still to this day do not regret it. I will never have a body like that again, and it wasn't something I did for boys, I thought it looked cool. I have had 2 kids and the piercing area does not look distorted or awful. I agree with PP that she should wait to see if she still wants it.

In terms Of what other people think, honestly who cares? We constantly tell our children that they should not care what other people think, same goes for this.

I am however very anti tattoo. Since they are forever and definitely fade, look bad over time.