How old for belly button ring?

[azoomm]

Originally Posted by anthonyk

For some people, it doesn't have to be inherently dangerous or life altering. Hell, clothing choice is neither of those things, but some types of clothing and piercings can project an image that many people don't think is appropriate for a teenager. It's totally reasonable for parents to set expectations for their kids around this stuff.

Exactly.

Something doesn't have to be dangerous to be inappropriate. My daughters wanted acrylic nails. They asked, I said no. First, because I'm not paying for them to even be put on let alone to be kept up. And, they are something that lends the appearance that they are older than they might appear. My eldest will be 17 in August. It isn't about me [raar mean mommy] "putting my foot down." I'm one of those weird parents that actually has conversations with my kids.

There is nothing dangerous about getting fake nails. Just like there isn't anything dangerous about getting a belly button ring. I mean, Kaneman, what if your son wanted to eat Kraft cheese slice sandwiches for lunch everyday? It's not dangerous...

It's a crazy thing when you get these miniature adults that want to have their freedoms without any of the really difficult life decisions. She wants all the fun part of being a grown-up without the responsibility, just like any teenager. These decisions about piercings, tattoos, etc have everything to do with making bigger decisions when she's older. That's why it's a conversation and not a mandate.