sailors and tattoos

[CarolJ * Courtney's Mom *]

I know that sailors and tattoos go hand and hand.... just wondering how other moms out there are feeling about this?

added after discussion started:

...she is wanting to get tats that signify members of the family, I know it's her choice , the problem I have is placement. one on ankle and one on top of foot. they are coverable as far as the Navy is concerned but what about when she gets out or wants to dress up in a dress and strappy heels or just shorts and flip-flops. Guess i'm just old fashion.. granted I have thought about it for myself, even went into a shop and talked to the artist, just couldn't bring myself to find something that i wanted on my body for the rest of my life, covered or not.
I know it's her life and her body, and if one of my two sons wanted one later in life i probably wouldn't have such a problem with it.... just the momma of my babygirl coming out in me i guess.

[Suzanne]

Hi Carol, I had really hoped that my son wouldn't get any tattoos but with time he now has 9 of them. A few of them I like and most tell his story. 3 of his tats are on his for arms and I was sure he would be sent to mass for it but it never happened. My husband got one when he was in Vietnam and always said he wished he had not gotten it. They make my husband upset because of the money our son has to spend to get the tats. I say he works for his money, he doesn't ask us for anything, he's a good boy, so its all good with me.

[Debby]

I dont have a tattoo, however I have 2 military sons who both have tattoo's... I always had the feeling that I will pick and choose my battles with my kids and this was not a battle I wanted to fight... their bodies their decision.. I just asked they don't put them anywhere that can not be covered by clothes and they did... Having a tattoo doesnt make them less of hero's in my eyes...

Debby

[Kathy S]

I wasn't too thrilled when my son got his first one shortly after his 18th birthday and before he took his oath. But, I've gotten used to it. While he was stationed overseas, he added to it but you still can't see it under his BDU's so, it's ok. His wife doesn't seem to mind, so I guess that's part of the "growing up and being in the Navy" scene. It's sort of a right of passage. Kind of like girls getting their ears pierced.

[NavyMomK9]

My daughter got her 1st (small "Thumper" on her ankle) right after boot camp 14 years ago. She has since gotten several more and honestly the only one that really bugs me is the 1/4 sleeve on one of her arms. Although it is very pretty(wildflowers) I just keep thinking about how she can hide it when/if she gets married and wears a beautiful wedding gown. Both my girls have tattoos and under severe "peer" pressure on one of Amy's leaves home they talked me into getting one too. It's a 6" vine of flowers on my lower back. And let me tell you, even after 2 natural childbirths that was the worse pain I ever felt!!!!!! Anyway, my opinion is that as long as they arent vulgar and can be covered with clothing it's fine with me.
I do know that there are rules about tattoos in the military. Make sure your daughter checks that out first.

[Cindy Corpsman Mom]

Interesting that this discussion would come up today! When our son got his first tatoo, he actually called and told me he was going to get it. He wanted my okay. Mind you, I thought it was sweet as he was already 18. He's now in Corpsman A-school in GL's. I received a picture on my cell last night, he has a huge tatoo on his back! It's the medical insignia, only difference is it has a gun going up and down instead of the rod. He made sure that it was below the collar line, as anyone hoping to become an officer can't have any tatoos showing. I was totally shocked. Personally, I don't like tatoo's. Morgan's first one was okay. I'm reserving my opinion until I see this new one. It does look very colorful, though!

Why would a chit be needed to get a tatoo? When they're off base, isn't that considered their own time?

[Sue W]

My son is a corpsman and got a tatoo while he was at GL's. He had his last name tatooed on his shoulder blade. When we saw it my husband asked him if he had it done in case he forgot what his name was! We have teased him about it ever since and I think he's decided one is enough, at least I hope so!

[Leann]

All the boys except my sailor have a tattoo of my dads dog tags above their heart with the words "proud grandson of ..." with the American flag in the background. My Sailor was not old enough last year, but when he comes home that is his plan. They are very beautiful and the art work is superb, maybe I am a little bias, my oldest son designed it. My oldest son has many tattoo's. stars on his shoulders, Momma's Boy across his back, his favorite is his" to do list "on the inside of his forearm. They all waited until they were of age that is all I ask of them

[CandiceB]

I really hate tattoos and hope my son does not get one, I talked with him about it before he left and told him how I felt about them...I do try to encourage him to be different and not go with the crowd...but there is a lot of peer pressure I am sure. But weather he gets one or not I will still love him and not beat him up about it.

[Jeanette mom of Aaron]

5 years in and TG no tattoos! He has assured me that I don't have to worry since he HATES needles it will never be an issue. Since he doesn't drink to get drunk either I don't have to worry about someone talking him into one while he doesn't have all his facilities about him. Needless to say, should he get one I hope he does it some where on his body that will normally be covered by clothes.

[peggy]

my son has 2 i think there cool he likes them

[Lisa]

Hi Carol,

My son's been talking about getting a tattoo as well. I don't mind it as long it is something he's not going to get tired of a few years down the line. I got one for my 40th birthday but it took over a year before that to find exactly what I wanted. I wouldn't mind another but I've been looking for the "right" one for two years now so I think it's going to be awhile yet! LOL

[Kara, Breane's Mom]

I had many conversations with my daughter as she was growing-up ... way before she started thinking about going into the Navy. She was always opposed to tattoos, piercings, etc. But as all children do they start thinking about it as a way to express themselves ... not really thinking that someday they could be pregnant or get old - both can do terrible things to tattoos & their appearences. Even when she left for boot, she was still saying she would not do it, and was reminded that she was now government property by her recruiter & she was really not allowed to mark or change her body & definitely nothing that would show while in any uniform. She wasn't even allowed to wear a necklace for awhile. We wound up getting her a longer chain.
In conclusion, since she has been in now alittle over 2 years & become very involved in a car group (she really loves her car) and has learned alot about it ... I always taught her basics, did not want her to be the get worked-up over breaking a nail or having to wait for a man to change a tire kind of girl, that she could do anything.
So, she called me abt 3 months ago ... "Mom, I've been thinking abt getting a small tattoo..." "... don't worry I thought abt it, its not going to show" ... an she eMailed me a picture a few days after she got it. She checked out several tattoo places & talked to them or should I say interviewed ! She got the symbol from the periodic table for lead on the top of her foot. (Its the size of a large posage stamp.)

Lead Foot, get it ? Only my daughter would find a way to get a tattoo that you have to think abt !

If you've talked to them before & they think about, it is their choice, they are old enough to vote & serve their country, they will hopefully make smart decisions.