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How do you go about explaining tattoos to very young children?

K

krunchykrome

Lifer
I have a half sleeve on my left arm. My left shoulder down to my left bicep is covered in asian theme ink (koi fish, dragon, flowers.) Anyways, it is something that I don't regret at all. But I have to say, I am a bit hypocritical, because I'm not sure if I would want my children (when I have some) to go crazy with the tattoos, even if it's concealable as I did. When taking my girlfriend's little cousin's out for the day, (they're 5 and 9) they often ask me whats that on my arm. And I say that it's a drawing. But seriously, what do you tell little children? How do you explain it to them. My main concern is that I know how little kids will imitate or become fascinated with adults and their actions, and I just want to be a good role model for them. Not that I have anything against tattoos, but at their age, I dont think it's wise to flaunt the ink around them.
 
I'd tell them the same; that it's a drawing with a marker. You can't change what you've done, and you shouldn't if it's something as small as a tattoo. All you can do is wait for them to grow up a little more and then explain to them what it is. After that, you can tell them that once they're 18 or whatever, they can go and get it done if they want to. From what I've seen, a kid is most likely to do what his/her parents tell them not to do. If you tell them that it's up to them, they'll probably end up making the right decision (for them).
 
For anything that you consider sensitive (tattoos, sex, or whatever), there is only one correct approach to children. Answer the child's questions honestly and don't provide any additional information.

The child asks what is that on your arm. You answer: "It is a tattoo." Simple as that. No more, no less. Don't change the truth, use the real word "tattoo" instead of "drawing".

If they are ready for the information, they will ask follow up questions. If they aren't ready, they won't ask follow up questions. Again answer those follow up questions honestly and don't provide any more information. That way, you teach them honesty, you are actually helping them understand the world, and you aren't giving them anything that they aren't yet ready to hear.
 
Originally posted by: dullard
For anything that you consider sensitive (tattoos, sex, or whatever), there is only one correct approach to children. Answer the child's questions honestly and don't provide any additional information.

The child asks what is that on your arm. You answer: "It is a tattoo." Simple as that. No more, no less. Don't change the truth, use the real word "tattoo" instead of "drawing".

If they are ready for the information, they will ask follow up questions. If they aren't ready, they won't ask follow up questions. Again answer those follow up questions honestly and don't provide any more information. That way, you teach them honesty, you are actually helping them understand the world, and you aren't giving them anything that they aren't yet ready to hear.
Click to expand...


Im not sure if the 5 year old will ask follow up questions, but the 8 year old definetly would. If I told her that is was a tattoo, and she asked "whats a tattoo", how do I explain to an 8 year old that I paid someone to permantly put ink on my body? I wouldn't want them to go to school and have their drawings or school work reflect that with which I explained to them at home, regarding tattoos.
 
Originally posted by: krunchykrome
If I told her that is was a tattoo, and she asked "whats a tattoo", how do I explain to an 8 year old that I paid someone to permantly put ink on my body? I wouldn't want them to go to school and have their drawings or school work reflect that with which I explained to them at home, regarding tattoos.
Click to expand...
You answered your own question.

8 year old: "What is a tattoo?"
Krunchykrome: "Permant ink on a person's body."

That might be enough to satisfy him/her. But likely the next question will be:

8 year old: "Why did you do it?"

Answer that question as concisely as possible. I don't think your child will gain anything by a lie or by being misled, so tell the child the truth. You can't protect them from tattoos forever. They have already seen it. They will see it on other people around town who don't cover it up. They will see it on TV. If you don't tell them the truth, they'll just find out misinformation from their school friends. Which would you rather have them hear, your side of the story or some random kid's side of the story?
 
Originally posted by: dullard
Originally posted by: krunchykrome
If I told her that is was a tattoo, and she asked "whats a tattoo", how do I explain to an 8 year old that I paid someone to permantly put ink on my body? I wouldn't want them to go to school and have their drawings or school work reflect that with which I explained to them at home, regarding tattoos.
Click to expand...
You answered your own question.

8 year old: "What is a tattoo?"
Krunchykrome: "Permant ink on a person's body."

That might be enough to satisfy him/her. But likely the next question will be:

8 year old: "Why did you do it?"

Answer that question as concisely as possible. I don't think your child will gain anything by a lie or by being misled, so tell the child the truth. You can't protect them from tattoos forever. They have already seen it. They will see it on other people around town who don't cover it up. They will see it on TV. If you don't tell them the truth, they'll just find out misinformation from their school friends. Which would you rather have them hear, your side of the story or some random kid's side of the story?
Click to expand...


:thumbsup: Good advice, thanks
 
It depends on what the tattoo is. Big difference between a tattoo to remind you of a good/bad time in your past versus that pretty butterfly or the flaming skull on your back. I think the latter is much harder to explain.

 
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