Long considered a rite of passage by many, getting an ear piercing can be an exciting time in a child’s life. The age at which a child should first get their ears pierced is a common topic of debate. How do you know, then, when it’s the right time to give your child permission to “take the plunge?” With these basic guidelines, you’ll be able to make a more confident and informed decision.
Proper Healing
The most essential part of any piercing procedure is proper healing. If adequate care is not given to a piercing site, an infection could quickly cause significant damage to the ear. That’s why it’s a good idea to allow your child’s immune system to develop somewhat before agreeing to allow them to get an ear piercing. At the bare minimum, you want to be sure that they’ve had at least one immunization to protect against Tetanus and Hepatitis B so that they are at less risk of infection from the piercing needle.
Tradition
Many ethnic and religious traditions call for children to have their ears pierced at a very young age. If you fall into one of these groups, it’s important to remember that your child’s well-being is ultimately your responsibility, regardless of traditions. If you decide to have your child’s ears pierced, it’s typically best to stick with simple ear piercing jewelry so that your child can’t pull at the jewelry and injure their ears.
Maturity
Suppose you want your child to make their own decision regarding getting an ear-piercing. In that case, it’s important to wait until they’re old enough to understand the basic ramifications of their decision. For many children, this maturity happens at around age five, when their cognitive abilities give them a reasonable ability to make their own decisions. Of course, this age will differ slightly for each child, so make sure to give your child plenty of time so that they understand what they’re asking to do.
Allergy Considerations
Once the piercing site has healed, your child will be able to enjoy a variety of different jewelry. Before they begin choosing what they’ll wear, though, it’s important to consider allergies. If metal allergies run in your family, it’s important to wait to have your child’s ears pierced until they’re old enough to explain to you any discomfort they feel when they wear their earrings.
Explain the Process
Above all, if your child is old enough to understand, it’s important to explain the piercing process to them before they make a decision. By explaining what will happen, it can help calm their fears and prevent any panic arising from unexpected steps in the process. With parent and child working together, having your child’s ears pierced can be a fun and memorable event.
