Tattoos and the under 18 set, would you allow your kid...

Every single person I know, both on the young end and older end of the spectrum, regret the tattoos they got at 18. At 18 (and younger) they live for today and can't conceptualize the future so will the 17/18 yo self still like what he likes in a few years. I suppose if you allow this (because realistically in under a year he can do it himself w/o permission) I would hope that you make the stipulation that it be where it is covered and can only be seen if he removes his shirt.

My daughter's friend wastaken to a tattoo parlor for her 17th birthday and her mom convinced her to get a tattoo (with???). Thankfully they put it on her foot, so more or less a less visible place. The friend wanted a monkey, her favorite animal since early childhood and the mom again convimced her to get her initials tattooed. Everyone asked the girl about it and thought it was wierd that if she got married and her initials would change. Ink is permanent, more or less, so whoever gets one should think long and hard. Should ask all the people who got tramp stamps on their lower back if they would still want to do that again? My bet is no.

I know quite a few people like this too. I haven't ever found something I want to wear as a fashion statement that lasts as long as a tattoo.  My son wanted one for years and I told him he would have to wait.  He did.  When he came home with one I was not pleased.  It was a cross with Family inside of it.  I told him he would get into an accident and when they sewed up his arm the letters would spell I love my mommy.  Six months later he was in a bad car accident.  I'll be damned, his arm was all cut up except for the cross.  There wasn't even a scrape n the tattoo.  The nurses talked about it every time they came in his room.  Shortly after that accident, he had the word FAITH put on the other arm.  I didn't say anything.

So in reality what's the difference? They get it now or in January?....

I am on the line. I see too many kids rush to get the trendy owl and regret later. My oldest DD20 said she wanted one. I told her that if she decided what she wanted, waited five years and still wanted I would pay for it. (Same with peircings, but that is a year) also it has to be hidden from a strapless gown, and shorts. She is glad now because she changed major to teaching. Her friend did a 5x7 size owl on ankle area. No color. At first DD thought cool. Now she is not cool. I want one too. I have it picked out. If I still want same thing in five years I will get.

...to get a tattoo?

My younger boy has been talking about wanting to get a tattoo for years. He is 17.

His dad, very anti-tattoo. Well, he was until recently. The boy sort of talked him into it with the bottom line being if you want a tattoo, you can get one. You will have to convince your mother to give you permission though because while I don't care if you get one, I won't sign the permission form that allows you to do it under 18. 

Me, I don't particularly care. I like them, and want one myself. 

What is the prevailing thought on tattoos for the younger set? (Younger in the case is 6 months shy of 18.) Would you allow it? Would you say "HELL NO?" Would you say yes, but with the expectation that you pre-approve the design first to make sure it isn't something...I don't know, something that wouldn't age well? (like his girlfriend's name.)