Growing up, tattoos might have seemed like badges of rebellion, mysterious marks reserved for a select few. Perhaps, like many, the only tattooed person you knew was a cool uncle or aunt, adding to their aura of intrigue. But times have changed. With a significant portion of adults sporting ink, especially those in the 25-39 age bracket, tattoos are now firmly in the mainstream. For today’s kids, seeing tattooed parents, grandparents, and family friends is just another part of everyday life.
This new normal brings up an interesting point: how do you explain your tattoos to the curious kids in your world? Children are naturally inquisitive about bodies and how they work, making the permanent art on your skin a captivating subject. We’ve gathered insights from tattooed parents to help navigate these conversations and turn them into positive learning experiences.
Bonding Through Ink: Making Tattoo Time Special
Rosalie Hurr, editor of Things & Ink and a tattooed mom, has found a beautiful way to connect with her daughter, Avery, who is now a toddler. “My daughter Avery, who’s now 14 months old, helps me moisturise my tattoos each night,” Rosalie shares. “I put the cream on my legs, then rub it in, and she strokes my skin. She also scratches my tattoos, and I tell her that they won’t come off.” This simple routine has become a special bonding moment. “When I’ve wanted a few more minutes in bed together, we count my cat tattoos, pretty sure I have 14. She loves cats too! When she was a tiny baby, she would stare at the tattoos on my arms. She’s just started to notice my husband has them too and points at his.” Turning tattoo care into a shared activity not only addresses a child’s curiosity but also creates a gentle, tactile learning experience.
Rosalie and her daughter Avery, sharing a moment while moisturizing Rosalie's tattoos
Books as Bridges: Introducing Tattoos Through Stories
For younger children, especially babies and toddlers, books can be an excellent tool to introduce the concept of tattoos. My First Book of Tattoos by Robyn Wall, part of the Cool Family series, is designed specifically for this purpose. Author Robyn Wall explains, “Parents tell me they’ve used the book to have tat chats with their littles. Some have even bought it for their kids’ nursery and preschool libraries.” While the book showcases tattooed parents, Robyn’s primary goal is connection: “At its heart, the book is a celebration of connecting with your cuties in the little years.” Reading together about tattoos in a fun, illustrated way can make the topic approachable and spark conversation.
Pages from "My First Book of Tattoos" showing colorful illustrations of tattooed individuals and animals
Another page from "My First Book of Tattoos" featuring illustrations of diverse tattooed people and objects
Honesty is the Best Policy: Explaining the Tattoo Process
Children’s questions can range from the practical to the personal. Laura Chamley, mom to Gracie, 10, and Billie, 8, encounters a variety of inquiries. “My kids ask me how much it hurts,” Laura says, “But also what it feels like, why I wanted them, which tattoo is my favourite, and which one do I hate.” Laura embraces their curiosity, understanding that for her children, her tattoos are simply a part of who she is. “I think they’re so used to me looking like this, they don’t really notice that I’m different to their friends’ mums.”
For children wondering about the mechanics of tattooing, Laura provides age-appropriate explanations. “I’ve talked about how it works, the process with the machine and the needle,” she explains. She also shares the personal stories behind her ink. “I tell them why I chose the designs I did and how my taste has changed over time and that’s okay, too. We’ve talked about some I’ve had covered up, but mostly I just say that I like how they look.” Open and honest communication helps demystify the process and allows children to understand tattoos as a form of personal expression.
Art and Confidence: Tattoos as Creative and Body Positive Tools
Tattoos can also be a springboard for discussions about creativity and body image. One tattooed individual shared a story about their friend’s daughter, Ruby. When Ruby was around five, she became fascinated by tattoos. The explanation she received was both simple and profound: “I told her that I loved the way they made me feel about my body and that I collect tattoos the way I collect art to hang on my walls.” This resonated deeply with Ruby, who declared her future ambition: “She told me that she’d like to be a tattoo artist one day.” This sparked a playful and educational interaction. “I told her she could practise on me. She went off to her bedroom and came back with a book of stickers. I picked the ones I liked and told her where I wanted them, then she stuck them on me (which is also a good lead into explaining consent to kids).” This anecdote beautifully illustrates how tattoos can foster creativity and open doors to important conversations about body positivity and even consent.
Alice and five-year-old Ruby engaging in a playful tattoo session with stickers
Challenging Norms: Tattoos Beyond Gender
Tattoos can also challenge preconceived notions and gender stereotypes. Tattooed mom Libby experienced this firsthand when she overheard her young son making an assumption. “When my son was about four years old, I heard him say ‘only girls have tattoos’,” Libby recalls. She saw this as a positive sign of changing times. “I loved it! Such a shift from when I was growing up and nearly all tattoos I saw were on men.” Libby’s experience highlights how tattoo visibility has shifted gender perceptions, though she also acknowledges the influence of her own mother: “That said my mum had a big tattoo – this was in the 80s – and that has a massive influence on me.” Sharing these personal stories can help children understand that tattoos are for everyone, regardless of gender.
Lessons in Ink: Sharing Your Tattoo Journey and Growth
Your own tattoo journey, including any regrets or changes in taste, can be valuable lessons for your children. Cosmetic tattoo artist Jen had her daughter, Molly, young and accumulated tattoos quickly. “I already had more tattoos than I should’ve had for my age,” Jen admits. Interestingly, Molly grew up with her mom’s tattoos as the norm. “Molly never really pointed them out because that’s all she knew. It’s only when I started having them removed and covered up when she was 8 that she’d say ‘oh no, not that one I love that one’.”
Jen reflects on her youthful tattoo decisions: “When I was younger, I wanted tattoos to make me look older and I wasn’t bothered what they looked like.” Molly, however, developed a different perspective. “Her first tattoo – which she got a month after she turned 18 – was a beautiful simple flower on her chest.” Molly has learned from her mother’s experiences, appreciating tattoos as art and considering choices carefully. “When I was little, I loved the swallows on my mum’s chest,” Molly says. “When I got older, I started to appreciate tattoos as art works. By the time she started getting them covered up, I’d noticed how faded and old they looked. When I was nine, she got ‘wolf mother’ and ‘wolf daughter’ tattooed above her ankle, I thought it was badass! No one else’s parents had that and we were our own little pack. Mum has guided me into appreciating the art of the tattooing and not just getting a tattoo for the sake of it.” Sharing your tattoo evolution can teach your children about personal growth, informed decision-making, and the evolving nature of personal style.
Jen and her daughter Molly, pictured in earlier years and then in present day, showcasing the mother-daughter bond and tattoo journey
Teen Talks: Tattoos and Older Kids
As children grow into teenagers, their questions about tattoos may become more nuanced and even involve their own aspirations for getting inked. Carola, a teacher to 11-16 year olds, often encounters student curiosity. “The students generally say: ‘Miss, I really like the tattoo on your finger/wrist/foot/leg,’” Carola notes. “If they notice a new tattoo, they also ask me about it. Some of my students ask about the meaning of my tattoos. If I have time during lessons, I’ll explain what the meaning is or if I just got them for fun.” Carola uses these moments as teachable opportunities. “They like telling me about the tattoos they’ll get when they are older or about their parents or older siblings who have tattoos. I do tell them to make sure you have a good think about what you’re going to get when you’re old enough and go to a good artist. It’s permanent after all.” For teenagers, conversations can shift to responsible decision-making, the permanence of tattoos, and the importance of choosing quality artistry.
Talking to your kids about tattoos doesn’t have to be daunting. By being open, honest, and using your ink as a conversation starter, you can turn curiosity into connection and valuable life lessons. Embrace the questions, share your stories, and enjoy these unique moments of communication with your children.
