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.

[Bridgett]

Since going into the Navy almost a year ago, my son has gotten 3 tattoos. All on his upper arms. I have to say that I was not thrilled about him doing it and have always heard that once you get one, you are addicted so I have done my best to try to talk him out of more. I will say, that his choices of design are all spiritual, which as a Christian, means a great deal to me, but wish he would find other ways to express his faith.

[Ringtone's Mom]

Cody got his first tattoo in San Diago this year. He designed it himself, the artist took a photo of it and put it up on his wall. I'm not a "tattoo" person myself, but I figure if he wants them, that is his choice. If he can do what he is doing, who am I to argue with him about "body art"? He earned it. My husband (Cody's step-dad, that he calls his dad) has them all over. We have both talked to my sons about the fact they should be certain it is something they are ready to live with the rest of their lives. My husband is ashamed of some he has now. He got them when he was a much different person and some are vulgar! I like Cody's tatt, you can see it in my pics on my page. In my opinion, it shows Cody's "clown" side as well as the fact he can take things serious too, with "No Regrets". I am so very proud of him and have faith he will not do anything that would be upsetting to me. He has always had good taste and has a tendency to really think things over before making a final decision about such things as this.

[Karalyn]

My son has gotten 2 tats this year. He has a Celtic cross on his bicep and the words "God will grant me Justice" on his shoulder. I haven't had the opportunity to see them yet. Just pictures. I'm more accepting of these than the Scorpion tattoo my daughter has on her ankle. That looks lovely (said sarcastically) when she has a dress on.

[Angie - Proud Mom of Brittanie]

I believe that if our children are mature enough to make the miltary their career choice then they will be mature enough to make a smart decision on tattoos. My daughter has 3 tattoos - one each each inside wrist (words of love) and one on her back, She had one before DEP and received the other two while in DEP. She had to OK it with her recruiter - and as long as they are not "bad tats" they are OK. She's still in BC and will PIR on 1/23/09.

[Jimmy James Leisure]

Ok I really don't wanna sound like a jerk, but if your son/daughter is in the NAVY then you should not be trying to tell them what to do anymore. Maybe its just me and I am interpreting what I am reading wrong but it seems like you think that they still need to follow your rules or something. I can understand being worried about them finding a good clean shop but beyond that there is nothing you can do. I myself plan to get a tat very soon and I know for a fact that my parents would not approve at all but they don't have to look at it every day like I will. Agian not trying to sound rude just wanted to get that off my chest. lol

[Chandra]

What exactly are the regulations for getting a tattoo in the navy? My fiance wants a tattoo (and so do I), but I wanna make sure its something that won't interfere with anything. He wants one on his arm, not sure where though...what would be the best place for an arm tattoo?

[Chandra]

Thank you for the site, I appreciate it! ^_^

[Suzan]

My son got 4 tattoos! BUT he is a great artist and designed all of them himself. They are discreet and coverable, as far as the Navy is concerned. While I am not happy with his decision, they DO look kinda cool! (I'm an artist myself and appreciate any example of art whether on the body or elsewhere.....) I'm with you, though, I wouldn't get one myself - for one, I am deathly afraid of needles (OUCH), and for two, when I was younger I had the sense to realize that when gravity takes effect on the body, the tattoos might not look so lovely anymore! LOL (You COULD point that out to your daughter - tell her to look at senior citizens with tatts and see what the future brings! LOL) Sooz

[CarolJ * Courtney's Mom *]

As I look back over this site that helped me so much going thru bc (N4M) i laugh at myself... why you ask??? My daughter now has an entire sleeve to her elbow, a tattoo of her father's hand life size on her shoulder, tats on both wrists, tat on her side, and one on each foot!!!! so much for worrying!!! I love her so much and she has grown into a wonderful sailor and woman, even with tats!!! and frankly i like the tattos now , they ALL have a special meaning!! Not ONE was done 'just because' . So Moms out there worrying about tats.... dont!! Our kids are still are kids and we love them no matter what some are just "more colorful" now :) BTW i still havent bit the tattoo bullet LOL