Things you should know about your tattooed 20-somethings…

• They know the arguments against getting tattoos.
• They are aware that their tattoos will look different years from now.
• They don’t care about that.
• They know that placement of ink is critical.
• They are more thoughtful about it than you think.
• Contrary to popular belief, most are not inebriated when they get them. (most)
• They know the risks of infection.
• They pick their parlor/artists carefully.
• They are diligent in their aftercare.
• They care more about what their parents think than they say.
• They get them anyway because it is important to them.
• They do not do it to hurt you.
• It is not personal.
• They feel strongly that tattoos are a choice they are free to make.
• They are right.
• They might regret their choice someday.
• Don’t we all?
• They want you to trust your parenting and who you raised them to be.
• They want you to know it might look different than you expected.
• They are the same person as before, only now they are decorated.
• They want you to trust them.
• They are not stupid.
• They have not lost their minds.
• They know that tattoos are permanent.
• That’s why they like them.
• They are passionate.
• They want to make a statement.
• A permanent passionate statement.

Things you should know about your un-tattooed parents…

• They are not out to get you.
• Their tattoo point of reference is different than yours.
• They remember when tattoos were a sign of rebellion.
• They remember when tattoos were a sign of promiscuity.
• Nothing they knew about tattoos was something they would wish for their offspring.
• Tattoos made a statement that you were to be avoided.
• Tattoos said you were “seedy” “freakish” “crazy” “loose” “criminal” “no good” “loser”.
• Not to be hired. Not to be trusted. Not to be associated with.
• They do not want you to have these words/attitudes connected to you.
• They do not understand the desire to have something permanently engraved upon you.
• To them it seems disrespectful to your body to do so.
• They know that most people their age have a similar point of view.
• They know that people their age do most of the hiring for companies.
• They do not wish for first impressions to prevent you from being employable.
• They remember when your skin was fresh and smelled of baby powder.  
• They miss those days.
• Tattoos represent a permanent “growing up and stepping away.”
• That makes them sad because they no longer have a say in your choices.
• They do not want to be judged by people for your tattoo choices.
• They will be, even if you don’t think so.
• They want what is best for you.
• They may disagree that a tattoo is “best.”
• They try to adjust their point of view.
• They are slow in doing so.
• They begin to realize that tattoos are meaningful to you.
• They try to understand.
• They love you more than you can comprehend.