I spent a year commuting from Romford to GLC County Hall - that involved 3 trains and used to take 1 hr+ each way. I'd had more than enough after a year and quit my job.

Cripes, Mahlerei! Thank God it was your watch that went under the train and not you! I guess there's something to be said for the new doors, even if they don't sound like 'real ' train doors.

 

I am v cross this morning as my 16y/o son came home yesterday with with a stud in his lower lip. I'm probably being old fashioned but I thought some sort of parental consent would be required. Some Googling has revealed there are NO age restrictions on this kind of thing, which came as quite a shock. However, it seems that if the piercee (!) is under 18 the piercer is supposed to ask for ID and a parent is supposed to accompany them.

I do feel this shouldn't be allowed and that there should be some legal framework. Am I being unreasonable?

Don

No, we can't win. It's not a huge stud by any means and they say it will heal up quickly if he decides to abandon the idea. I suppose we all have to rebel in our own way but it isn't easy when they start asserting themselves like this.

I have done some Googling and see the place he had it done seems professional enough - at least he didn't have it done is someone's garden shed. I suppose it's a mild form of mutilation as well and I've never been able to see the attraction of that.

Count yourself lucky, Don!

What I find interesting is that the people who go in for piercings (and I know a few daft souls who have undergone the treatment in their 'thirties, just 'cos they're frightened of seeming old) are deep-down, very conventional people with very ordinary minds.

If you're a real original, you'll feel no need to look outlandish.

It seems to be a parental rite of passage these days, as well as a teenage one, coping with these piercings. You are not alone, mahlerei, and, no, parents can't win. It's one of the rules.

My daughter had an eyebrow stud (plus earfuls of assorted ironware) at one point and there was talk of a tongue-stud, all of which distressed me greatly. I assumed she was unhappy rather than rebellious or 'had a deeply conventional mind'. It didn't do her any favours (although I don't suppose I was the intended audience). To my great relief the eyebrow stud eventually worked its way through the flesh and fell out, and wasn't replaced. And, yes, they do heal up and are effectively invisible after a while. It's the nose studs I find particularly unattractive. I always want to offer a handkerchief and discreetly suggest a look in the mirror.

If you want to discourage your kids from wearing these, try installing a giant magnet in the house and chortle a little as they are swept through the air towards it whenever they walk in the door.