As a mother of two sons, i cannot comment on ear piercings. i DO however, have a comment on circumcision. As a nurse, i do know that circumcised males have less chance of infection. I also know that there is nothing worse than a teen, or an adult male having to be circumcised. At that age, it is very painful and harder to heal. As infants, the pain is minimal and chance of infection is lessened because of parental care. Both of my boys were circumcised within hours of being born and they have no lasting memories or trauma from it. I chose to do it strictly for health reasons and because in my opinion, it was best for them. I did not even consider it to be a form of abuse.

As for tattoos, i have three. I cannot in good conscience tell my sons "No! you absolutely cannot have one!!!" What i can do is to stress that they are permanent, that what they like today may not be what they like ten years from now, advise to place in an area that can be covered by clothing if necessary for job interviews and such, and tell them they have to wait until the legal age of 18. My oldest son just got his first one. He researched the designs for six months until he chose one, and the placement fits the requirements above.

My children are like me and express themselves as they want in their dress and their hair. My oldest is now 18 and if he wishes to get tatts or piercings, i will counsel him as best i can, but the decision is now his. My youngest is 15 and he knows that he has to wait for tattoos or piercings. I think all parents want what's best for their children, and except in those cases of abuse, do not purposefully go out to harm their children. Mothers who choose to have their daughters(or sons) ears pierced early probably look at it the way I looked at circumcision. They are young, it will be over quickly, and there will be no long lasting traumatic feelings.