By Patrick J. McGrath, OC, PhD, FRSC
Question:
My sixteen-year-old daughter wants to get a tattoo. I think girls getting tattoos are trashy. What if she changes her mind in a few years? Otherwise she is a good student and pretty responsible.
Dr. Pat responds:
You have a few choices.
One option is to just say no. Most, if not all, tattoo shops will not tattoo a child without written parental permission. She might be able to get around this requirement. Or she may wait until her 18th birthday and she is of legal age.
You could listen to why your daughter wants a tattoo. Really understand what she is saying before you share your misgivings. Discuss it with her.
Tattoos have become much more mainstream. Tattoos don't mean the same thing as they did when you and I were her age.
It may be that you decide it is better to be part of the decision. You might help her pick a less obtrusive and more tasteful tattoo.
Whatever approach you use, ensure that she knows about the risks of infection from dirty needles. Reputable tattoo shops use one-use needles and are very concerned about cleanliness.
Patrick J. McGrath OC, PhD, FRSC is a clinical psychologist and a researcher. He is Professor of Psychology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry at Dalhousie University and Vice President - Research at IWK Health Centre in Halifax. He is also the CEO of the Strongest Families Institute, which provides mental health care to families across Canada.
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Dr. Pat will respond to as many letters as possible with evidence-based answers. We hope that the column will be interesting and helpful for readers; however, Dr. Pat cannot provide health care through the column. Please contact a physician or other registered health care professional to provide health care guidance or advice.