I believe in self-expression through clothing, accessories, hair, etc. I believe that children should be allowed the same privilege as their parental counterparts, within major reason. As adults, we need to guide our children. They need to know what the difference is between expression and ridiculousness.
I see the way other kids dress, have their hair done, etc. I think to myself…OMG. Quite frankly, I think most of the styles today, in particular, are horrible. Dare I say…worse than the 80’s? I still like the neon colors and the big earrings…that was SO my thang.
I, personally, try not to buy inappropriate clothing for my kids. I don’t like when my kids leave the house with their va-jay-jays hanging out of their camel toes and everything but their nipples showing. Sometimes though, I listen to my kids when they cry “BUT MOMMMMMY, EVERYONE is wearing that.” and I give in. SOMETIMES. Like…those stupid silly bandz or the very unflattering to most kids…Sugarlips tank tops.
And…I’ve allowed my daughters to get a couple of pink highlights. And blonde. And red.
I’ve let them make their own shoes on Nike.com and Converse.com while gnashing my teeth and holding my breath as I pay for the atrocities. And I let them wear them…with me…in public. OY. The shame of motherhood. They think they are embarrassed being seen with me…
My daughter has double pierced ears. It doesn’t bother me, I have double pierced ears too. One is even triple pierced. I did it when my parents were out of town when I was a teenager.
I did a bunch of stupid things when my parents weren’t looking. Because the only expression I felt I was allowed to have was through my clothing…and just barely.
So, I rebelled through other things we won’t go into. That’s another post.
Which is why I allow my children a little more freedom. There are reins but they aren’t super tight. I know what happens when a kid can’t breathe.
BUT.
There are certain things I draw the line at. Under my roof.
Body piercings.
Tattoos.
Goth.
Heavy make-up.
Those tribal disc things that kids are putting in their ears.
Spikes under there skin.
And I can probably come up with quite a few more things.
Another thing…
Mohawks.
Not in my house. I think they are ugly. I hated them in the 80’s. 90’s. And now. They are stupid looking. Especially on young kids.
I always wondered what type of parent would take their kid to get this done. Ever since I was young.
I. HATE. MOHAWKS.
My stepson has spent much of summer vacation with his mother.
Today, he came home for the weekend.
Sporting a brand new mohawk.
It’s so atrocious that even a gorgeous face like his doesn’t soften the ugliness of the haircut.
In this case though, it’s a good thing he is so cute.
L…You know how I feel about you. But, I’m very, very disappointed that you took him to do this. This is allowing the wrong type of self expression, especially for him. What next, tribal plates in his ears? Have fun up North.
Just because a kid thinks something looks cool doesn’t make it cool for him.
Well I guess I’m that type of parent cause my son has a mohawk 😉
Michelle @ Mommy Loves Stilettos´s last blog post ..What does ADHD have to do with it
I think people can do what they want with their kid. There is stuff I don’t like that I don’t want in my house. I tell Baby Girl all the time when she’s grown she can do whatever she wants, but until then she has to live by my rules.
Jennifer´s last blog post ..Fit B4 40 – Saddling Up
My grandsons both have had mohawks, largely because their uncle had a mohawk. And they were terribly cute, because they were both under the age of 8 and wanted to be like him.
But on balance, I’m with you. Don’t get mohawks, don’t get mullets. Make a decision – long or short.
Joni Golden´s last blog post ..Chidren with Hair Loss benefits from Farmington Hills families fundraiser
I’m with Michelle, I’m one of those parents too. My step son gets a mohawk every summer. Only for the summer…
Becky´s last blog post ..Where I’ve been…sort of
I consider myself pretty conservative. I let my kids dress themselves in pretty much whatever they want. My seven-year-old seems to be conjuring the spirit of Punky Brewster (remember her?). My oldest, thank goodness, is very preppy. And my other daughter, my fashionista, admires Audrey Hepburn, so I have to confess I don’t face those things.
My rules are pretty much the same as yours. I need to add Daisy Dukes though. That would be too much for me.
Michele – The Professional Family Manager´s last blog post ..What I’m Worth Wednesday- the June Wrap-Up Edition
YESSSSS! You are sooo my people! I cannot stand mohawks. They are ugly. end of story!
Eh, I like mohawks. I haven’t taken the plunge to give my kids one, yet, but I think they’re cute. Every parent is allowed their own rules in their own home, though. “As long as you’re living under my roof…”
C @ Kid Things´s last blog post ..Two Much
My kids are really old enough yet, but I am probably going to be pretty strict about what they can and cannot do. I teach too many kids that “run the show” in their homes. It’s ridiculous and pathetic. Not to mention that those kids often get the wrong impression that I am their peer instead of their boss. We are not friends! I’m hoping my own kids will actually be scared to death of me and never want to cross me!
LB´s last blog post ..Dear Morning Jogger
I have been thinking about the whole thing. Ignore it. Just tell him that you don’t want it for school.
I am all for body modification but children don’t get how PERMANENT it is. Even piercings will leave scar tissue when removed. I have my ears gauged and tattoos and a nose piercing but I am a fucking ADULT. My daughter can get her ears pierced when she’s ‘old enough’ but I will not sign off on an under-age tattoo or body piercing. Hair expression is HUGE for me because my mom is such a square. My hair is pink right now and my mom gave me the “but your hair is so pretty” talk that I’ve heard a million times before. I am hoping that by being more laid back that my kids won’t do shit behind my back. I guess we’ll see.
I must be a prude. Ears pierced. Just once. I have enough holes in my head tyvm. Tattoos? No thank you. My mom dressed me in Booty shorts until I was 14. Then I rebelled. I wore slacks,linen skirts, and silk blouses. Everyone else wore grunge. I combed and styled my hair. Others teased and hairsprayed until the Ozone layer disappeared over their heads. My kids? They have had the pink highlights. And the red ones. And have their ears pierced. Just once. But then again, they are only 9 and 11…is this what’s waiting for me? ACK!