“He wants to get his ear pierced.” My daughter nodded. “It seems a little impulsive to me,” I reply. “It’s not. He wanted to do it in New York when he visited me.” The next day I’m talking to Mr. G who logically explains that Jane had her ears pierced multiple times at 16. He throws in a handful of logic and reminds me that if he doesn’t like it, he can just take it out and the hole will eventually close up. We are in the mall, at night. I …
Letting Kids Make Mistakes
Yesterday I went to a new hairstylist who also has a 13 year old daughter. The girls have actually played soccer together but never on the same team. They know the same kids but haven’t been to the same parties, yet. As we were talking the stylist said to me, “My daughter wants a second piercing. What do you do about that?” I told him that Jane’s been asking for one too and that I know it’s a mistake. I have more than one piercing and I’m here to tell …
Earrings and Kisses
When Jane was eight years old she asked me if she could get her ears pierced. “I can ask Daddy” was my reply, “but first you should know that they take a needle and jam a hole though your earlobe.” She retracted visibly. “Do you want me to ask Daddy?” I continued sweetly. “No thanks Mom.” said Jane.