Moms may not know everything, but we sure do have an extensive wealth of knowledge in our own areas of expertise. For some that may mean anticipating the exact moment a toddler meltdown is due. Others have the keenest spidey sense for how to take the sting out of a boo boo. And that's just the parenting stuff. As women we've lived a whole other life before procreating, and for inked moms, those stories can sometimes be told through the very art they wear on their bodies. From delicate images to bold, picturesque sleeves, tattoos have long been a way to express oneself in a beautiful and unique way.
According to Statista, four in 10 U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 69 have at least one tattoo, with 25 percent of that figure copping to more than one piece of body art. Of course, there's no single reason people choose to get inked, but the most popular (and, frankly, most obvious) reason being to express themselves. Interestingly, rounding out the top three, Statista says folks are compelled to get body art as a way to pay tribute to their kiddos.
Keeping that in mind, we asked inked mamas to consider the advice they'll give their offspring about getting a tattoo if they so choose. And, let us tell you, these ladies have opinions. Refreshingly, the moms we spoke to were pretty candid about their own decisions. Some are completely on board with approving of their kids getting their own ink in the future, while others just want to offer some food for thought (regrets…they have a few). Either way, their honesty is perfection.
Express Yourself
"I say they can fully express themselves, however to keep in mind it's permanent. I waited YEARS before I got one. My husband doesn't have one and said he never will. He doesn't want to mark his body." — Heather J.
Be Thoughtful
"I'm inked. Three of my 5 kids are inked. My advice to them was choose something that has sentimental meaning for you. Decide on a design and location. If 30 days later you still want exactly that, go for it." — April F.
Think Before You Ink
"If you get a tattoo of a chili pepper while inebriated with your brothers, your eventual husband will tell all his friends and giggle every time he sees it. The humiliation will drive you mad." — Sally U.
Make It Meaningful
"I've got ink, as does my 22-year-old son. I got my bass jumping from the lake on my right leg when I was 30 to honor my husband, a fisherman. My advice to my son was that it needed to have meaning. My husband died 3.5 years ago. I have a heart of his thumbprints (that we had done just after his terminal diagnosis) on my forearm. My son has a fish hook inside his right wrist he had done to memorialize his dad." — Julie B.
The More You Know
"I got mine at 18 and then got them taken off. I think that’s the lesson my kids should know. I don’t mind ink but I was 18 and waiting would have been better." — Natalie K.
Ask Before You Ink
"This is something I dread. I can't tell them no, but I can tell them to have it in a place that's easily covered up. And to really think about what they want as it's there forever. I made mistakes, so I'd want to know about it so I can help them avoid a situation that they'll think about for the rest of their lives." — Cheryl C.
Steer Clear of Significant Others' Names
"I have a bunch of tattoos. Fifteen to be exact. My biggest advice would be to choose tattoos that mean something to you. Tattoos are art, but when the art tells a story it is just powerful! And no names of girlfriends or boyfriends!" — Nicole C.
Don't Go Cheap (Among Other Things)
"I would share a few things I have learned over the years and then they can make their own decision. I want to say don't get a tattoo the minute you turn 18… but at the same time I feel like a bad/stupid tattoo makes you understand what good tattoo is. The words 'cheap' and 'tattoo' don’t mix. If you can’t pay your bills don't get a tattoo. Don’t tattoo another language on your body unless you speak that language. If the electricity in the tattoo shop keeps going out while you are getting a tattoo that’s probably not a good sign. Leave immediately (Daytona. Spring break. 2002)." — Heather P.
Consider the Cover Up
"My kids chipped in for a tattoo for me years ago for Mother's Day (one son refused to contribute to the cause). I got a claddagh symbol on my ankle. I went with two other friends (all of us teachers) and we all got one. Our principal freaked when she saw them and we had to keep them covered up for the remainder of our years at school there! My advice: Get it in a spot where it can be easily covered up!" — Eileen A.
Don't Get Inked Out of Boredom
"I’d recommend waiting to anyone who wants a tattoo while in high school or college. I got mine my sophomore year — a mushroom 'cause I was vegetarian. It happened because my friend was a tattoo artist and was bored. It cost me $20. I just pretend it's not there." — Victoria S.
Waiting Will Be Rewarded
"I will tell my kids to wait until they are old enough to determine if they will love what they will forever wear. Have it mean something or represent who they are in some way. I waited until I was in my 30s to get my first tattoo and I'm so glad I took my time." — Chenoa S.
Choose Wisely
"I was really picky when looking for a tattoo artist and I'm so glad I did my research. I will tell my kids not to do it on a whim. Find someone with real talent who's an artist. Think of it as a forever painting on your body." — Kirsten A.
Check Your Spelling
"For the love of everything, if you're getting a word or quote tattooed, double check the spelling you give the tattoo artist and then double check that they read it correctly. It's possible I've learned this from experience." — Kay G.
Trust Mom
"So this may not be the coolest advice, but I will advise my kids to take me with them before they get inked. What could inspire more fear in a tattoo artist to get it right than a mom's watchful eye?" — Jen S.
Location is Everything
"Don't just consider what you want your tattoo to look like, but also where you want it to go. I've had some of mine since my early 20s and certain parts of the body age better than others!" — Katharine L.
Wise Words
"My advice to my son will be really simple: Get as many tattoos as you want. It's his body and his decision." — Jan S.
Don't Be Trendy
"Get an original design that you really love. Don't go along with a trend or fad. And if the tattoo artist has a suggestion about color or the design, listen and consider what they have to say." — Courtney Z.
Timing Is Important
"If you've spent the night partying and suddenly think it's a good idea to get a tattoo — fight that feeling. Do not go into a tattoo parlor drunk. You will regret it." — Diana H.
Don't Quote Me
"If that tattoo you want is of a quote or phrase, make sure you have the original saying written down right. Otherwise your family and friends will tease you mercilessly forever." — Kate M.
Just Do It
"Get a tattoo that you're going to love looking at every day and that makes you feel proud. If it makes you happy, just do it." — Gretchen S.
