My parents not only made me wait til I was a teen, but refused to let me go to the mall like my friends. Insisted that my dad do it. Ok, he's a doctor, and has pierced thousands of ears and takes it very seriously not only in terms of hygiene but also placement and direction, but still. (I came to appreciate this later, and will have him pierce my daughter's ears when she's ready. She will be allowed to make that decision herself... after hearing dire stories of how painful it is, how hard they are to take care, etc etc.

)