IveGotRhythm wrote:
I am (almost) 42 so my opinion is probably moot.

But I have 2 tattoos- both are very unusual and were VERY personal to me. Because of that I don't hate them but I sure as HELL wish I'd never gotten them.

Why? Because when I got them I never thought I'd be a mother trying to explain to my child why they are a bad idea. Because I never thought I'd be choosing a dress for a formal occasion and have to worry more about what covers up my tattoo than what looked best on me.

There are other ways to express yourself.

I don't get why it's hard to explain tattoos to kids. I never have any issues explaining mine when people ask...I got great ink that I'm proud of, and I enjoy telling the stories behind them. They're personal to me, I consider them body art, and I plan to love them pretty much forever.

It's not like you're trying to explain your past as a Nazi war criminal, here. It's a TATTOO. Many many people have them and love them. If it's gonna scar little Bobbie Jean that her mom has ink, you might have bigger issues on your hands.

(Also, yes, I am totally in favor of tattoos. I'm also in favor of GOOD TATTOOS that you won't feel like you have to cover up or hide...or if you're going to get something you must hide, get it somewhere like a buttcheek that (please god) won't show all the time. In other words, REALLY think it through. Tattoos are not something you want to regret later; removal is expensive as hell.)