Dad Gets a Tattoo

Category: Because I Said So

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Oh NO! Dad gets a tattoo, much to Son’s dismay and shock! We will be having a #DadChat on “Body Art and Our Kids” so stay tuned for more on this sensitive subject for most parents!

http://stay-at-homedadblunders.tumblr.com/ dadblunders

LOL….I have no room to talk. i have two tattoos and I seriously want a third. My personal opinion is if you like them you should get them but that is my opinion. I spent a lot of time looking for the ones I have. It wasn’t a decision I rushed into lightly.
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  How old were you when you got your first one? As far as the battles we face as parents, this is not one I chose to take on too aggressively. All I required was that my son be 18 and that he pay for ANY tattoo from his own EARNED money!
  - http://stay-at-homedadblunders.tumblr.com/ dadblunders
    
    I know this is hard to believe but I was either 30 or 31. When i was 18 I wanted one but in Oklahoma where we lived they were illegal and you had to make a trip to Texas (closest place) to get one. I never made the trek but the desire to have one never left.
    
    Another factor that slowed me down when I was 18 was the fact it was 1988 and most businesses at the time were not very accepting of them. I remember being working at Montgomery Wards and they had a very strict policy of no tattoos. Times though have changed (I believe for the better in a lot of ways) and companies have learned they aren’t deterring their business (there are some hold out still.) I believe the
    - http://twitter.com/VoogDesigns VoogDesigns
      
      I went through a phase while I was studying ninjutsu that I felt that a tattoo might have been appropriate. I decided against it. But I did apply a temporary tattoo when I dressed as Vanilla Ice for Halloween one year! It was great, and it came off!
      - http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
        
        I want to know who that cute kitty is on your lap Mr. Voog?
    - http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
      
      Yipes, I would never hold it against you, DB!
http://www.inclinedesign.info CASUDI

FAKE is OK for a gag !
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  I do not LIKE permanent body art…AT ALL!
http://cirquedumot.com/new-readers/ Susan Silver

I have toyed with getting a tattoo. There are some amazing artists out there and they can be quite attractive. I have yet to be brave enough to go through with that. I am still trying to figure out if there is any symbol meaningful enough that I would want it permanently. Plus, trying to figure out where to place it so that as I age it will still look nice.

I think you took the right attitude with your son. You waited until he was an adult and he couldpay with his own money. That is pretty understanding of you. Although I am much older, my parents remind me often of the shame it would bring them because we are Jewish. This has not stopped most of my siblings from getting one.
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  The religious issue was hardest for me, but as I’ve said, we parents have to pick our fights!
http://twitter.com/audaciouslady audaciouslady

I have never liked tattoos nor do I think I ever will. Since we can’t control others then I am sure you were in a difficult spot. Speaking of spots, first timers should think about putting their tattoos somewhere that can’t be seen for job interviews, on first dates or anywhere that can actually close doors of opportunity. I am friends with many great people who have tattoos but the reality is as a person who is 3ft tall and in a wheelchair, that everyone forms an opinion on first impressions and having tattoos all over the body is not a turn on for many. I don’t think I would feel comfortable having a doctor or “professional” with tattoos that are visible at work or in public areas. I’ve seen young people get turned down for jobs because of this. I’m sorry that your son chose to put a tattoo there. I hope that he doesn’t get ostracized too much later on. 18 is a bit young. My friend who has two grown boys in college told them that as long as she is paying for their education, no tattoos. Once they have a college degree and a job, if they want to vandalize their body that’s their choice. They could have paid for their tattoos at 18 but she told them that if they can afford to mark up their body they can afford to pay for tuition. I guess being a parent is stressful. I am glad I don’t have to go through that. As a teacher for 7th graders, I ask them “Would you be ok if I came to school with tattoos all over my arms and legs?” Ironically, they said they would not be able to take me seriously and would think I am on drugs. YET, they still think tattoos are cool for others and if they can be hidden. They really don’t like looking at wrinkled people with tattoos either. That makes them laugh. Kids! Gotta love them.

Thank you for sharing your life with the world.
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  Wow, I love that verbiage – “vandalize their body” – can I use it?
  
  I completely AGREE with you. It was a battle I chose not to fight for a LOT of reasons.
  
  What is your first name? I hate to ask, but it’s obviously not apparent from your Twitter handle?
- @MimiBakerMN
  
  My daughter wanted one on her wrist when she was 17. I refused and told her she could get it anywhere else as long as it couldn’t be seen by a potential employer. When she got older, if she decided to put one somewhere more visible, then it was her choice, but NOT under my watch. Her BFF got one on her wrist the same day. Tattoos are more common place today and I’ve gotten to the point where I don’t judge anyone based on tattoos. To me, it’s the same as a hair cut or clothing…a style choice. All this coming from a very conservative person! LOL
  - http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
    
    Yes, but a haircut or clothing choice CAN BE CHANGED!
- http://twitter.com/VoogDesigns VoogDesigns
  
  It’s an interesting scenario isn’t it. What if we got to try it out before making it permanent. Assuming no one knew it was fake, what kind of reaction would we get from family, friends and coworkers. Sure there are personal reasons for someone to make it permanent, but to wear one for a month and see how you feel might make you have second thoughts. OR you can just have fun and wear a new temporary tattoo every few months like changing your hairstyle or wardrobe.
  - http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
    
    I think temporary PERIOD makes sense if that exists at a quality level?
http://www.thejackb.com/ The JackB

Not a fan of tattoos at all. Part of it is for religious reasons but mostly it is because I don’t like the permanence. What I thought was cool at 18 isn’t necessarily what I like today.
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  Amen!
- cutemonster
  
  Agreed. It’s much easier to change one’s style of dress to express oneself. No surgery required.
  - http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
    
    Nice that WE all agree…but it’s our kids who will decide ultimately!
  - http://twitter.com/VoogDesigns VoogDesigns
    
    Great points. Not only do our tastes change, so do our clothes. Which makes me wonder… What would a tattoo look like if you got it in the 60s? Probably out of style, and saggin’!
    - http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
      
      We’re not even the SAME person decade-to-decate!
- DadKnowsBetter
  
  That’s where I am on this, too. Would I still feel good about it 10 years later, and if not…..
  - http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
    
    Will a 14-year-old be able to say that about her Justin Bieber tattoo?
@MimiBakerMN

I’ve been wanting a tattoo for years! Still considering one. =)
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  What would it be, Mimi? MISSED YOU at #DadChat tonight! boo!
- http://twitter.com/VoogDesigns VoogDesigns
  
  Natural beauty needs no tattoos Mimi!
  - http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
    
    Darn, I wish I’d said that!
http://cirquedumot.com/new-readers/ Susan Silver

I forgot to ask, what is the image that your son chose? I couldn’t tell from the photo the other day.
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  Heck if I know…Just kidding. It’s a Buddhist expression that includes all the basic spiritual “laws” – sort of like the Ten Commandments all in one.
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  It’s a Buddhist saying that incorporates many spiritual guideposts – sort of like a Ten Commandments but of Buddhism. Very appropriate for a nice Jewish Bar Mitzvah Boy! LOL…
http://twitter.com/VoogDesigns VoogDesigns

Here’s a question for everyone: When I am illustrating the comic strip, I try and sneak a few things in there that you really need to look for. In this one, the background and dad’s tattoo are special element for our “dad”. Did anyone notice these or were they obvious?
http://twitter.com/twinbabiesdad Brian Clark

Wow. I love my tats. Even the crappy one I got when I was 18 and had to have re-done. I’d have more if quality wasn’t so expensive. I hope my daughters invite me along (or at least get my input) when and if they decide to get their first. I’d be bummed if they got something offensive, but if I do my job as a parent right the odds of that will go down. Anyway, that’s my two cents.
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  Thanks for sharing Brian. I hope your daughters take your wisdom, too!
http://twitter.com/MitchPopilchak Mitch Popilchak

I’m 44 years old and just this last summer I got a tattoo on my right calf. It’s a tree and on the trunk my sons name is carved in it. My sons name is also my dads name (he passed 22 years ago). My son couldn’t be prouder. Nor could I. My dad was an amazing man and so is my 16 year old son. I have never had anyone, including my mother, put down, or “not like” my tattoo. In fact, just the opposite. Many people, from all walks of life, have commented on how amazing my tattoo is. My son would like one, but I have told him not until he is at least 18, if not older. (and I will take him!) That it is a big decision and not to be taken lightly. I waited 43 years to get mine …

I have many friends with tattoo’s, from Tri-Athletes to CEO’s
None of them are judged for their ink and nor should they be.
They are still the same amazing people, regardless of the tattoo’s they have.
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  Beautiful comment Mitch, beautiful tattoo. When they have legacy attached to them they truly have more impact, importance, and heart and soul. A Mike Tyson-style tat, on the other hand…
Jbangild

I just had a new tattoo applied to my inner arm last week. My son who is just under two years old and my daughter is 3.5 years. My son was born with a neurological condition that has left him blind and developmentally delayed. So, in his honor, the tattoo bears both my kids name in script and in Braille. It took some planning but I’m really pleased with the results.
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  Wow, now that is a tattoo that sounds wonderful! So sorry about your son. Would love to see the tat?
http://twitter.com/unxpctdblessing Lauren Hale

I have a tattoo – on my upper left arm where it can be easily hidden if needed. I want at least four more tattoos, one on my upper right arm, one on the back of my neck, on the front of my ankle, and a huge back piece. There is some symbolism behind all of them though. The one I have now is the kanji (japanese writing) for “fire” which is my Chinese Astrological element. I got it while I was in college and had my tongue pierced on the same day. My tongue piercing hurt far less yet is still not with me. I don’t regret my tattoo at all. The year I got it was the same year my grandfather passed away so it’s kind of in memory of him even though the symbolism doesn’t really have anything at all to do with remembering him.

Funny story about my tat – I designed it myself (drew a larger size based on the kanji symbol for fire) and tucked it into the book I was reading at the time. The tat artist was a classical lit junky and the irony of the book I tucked it into did not escape him – it was Dante’s Inferno. I hadn’t given it a second thought. He gave me an almost 50% discount on the tat because of it. Thank God for Dante’s Inferno.

My four year old son loves my tattoo and will give it “tattoo kisses.” My daughters love it too. We’ve talked about body art and they know it’s for adults. Their father has body art as well.

I love my tattoo and don’t ever plan to get it covered up or removed. I also can’t wait to get my other tattoos, especially my back piece, which will be a symbol of surviving everything I’ve been through over the years.

-lauren
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  Lauren, please come to #DadChat and “enter” your tattoo in our contest on Thursday: http://www.brucesallan.com/2012/07/10/tattoo-contest-dadchat/ . It seems you have been VERY thoughtful about your “body art” and that is all that I care about. If it’s permanent, be sure you want it PERMANENTLY. I couldn’t say that about anything other than my core values and now, my wife (and kids, of course). Love the Dante’s Inferno part of your story. In 6th Grade, I drew ALL of Dante’s Inferno – I found a copy of it and framed it recently. Can’t believe the detail I put into that as an 11-year-old!
Ryan

Wish I could join in on the topic coming up this Thursday…but Thursday night is rugby practice for me. I am a SAHD to three and a half year old triplet girls…yes I know I am screwed. I have also been tattooing for over 6 years and I also have a few tattoos of my own. I am not covered by any strectch of the imagination…I don’t have any on my neck, face, or below my elbows…who knows what I may want to do when I grow up. But I have and will always hold to my guns when it comes to my kids…I am open to them getting tattoos, once they are of legal age to do so, which is 18 years old. I will also hold them to talking to me about it and hopefully allowing me to be the one to do the work on them. I don’t feel it is my place to rule over my kids with a golden septer but to guide them in the direction I feel is a positive, successful, and god centered direction.
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  I sure wish you could join us tomorrow night, Ryan. Be prepared that when your kids want tats, they may not want Dad doing them…
Mariegilb

Many people are gettig tattoos and if you study the history of body art, it’s pretty cool. I’m thinking of getting a very small one on my shoulder.
- http://www.brucesallan.com Bruce Sallan
  
  What will the image be, Marie? Do join our #Tattoo Contest at #DadChat tomorrow: http://www.brucesallan.com/2012/07/10/tattoo-contest-dadchat/
David Weber

An Elvis tattoo would be right up there with a velvet Elvis painting.