For weeks now both my 7 year old and 10 year old daughters have been working on me. They really really wanted their ears pierced.
I have heard every argument under the sun.
All their friends have theirs done.
We are so much older now.
We will be completely responsible.
It would be such a lovely thing to do together. (that was a good one)
The thing is I didn’t need them to convince me. I have no problem with pierced ears, I just wanted them to be ready. Old enough to take care of their ears themselves, and responsible enough that they would not lose their earrings as often as they lose their socks!
I did my research, found a place that specializes in piercing infants and children’s ears, and picked a wonderful woman with 15 years of ear piercing experience. Have I ever mentioned that I am a planner and a worrier?
Yesterday after school was the big surprise.
“Daddy is coming home early from work. If you still want to, we can go get your ears done tonight!”
They were all kinds of excited.
I got out the camera and took pictures of those virgin ears. Kissed those baby ear lobes good bye and away we went.
Oldest first into the chair. BlueEyes did fine until the marker went onto her ear lobe. Fear set in. Face went pale. Tears were visible…they threatened to flow out of those big innocent eyes. I assured her it would only hurt for a minute, but she could still back out. NOPE. She was determined.
The wonderful ear piercers lined up (Oh TWO of them…they could do both ears at the same time…THANK YOU) and KA THUNK.
OH she loudly proclaimed. “It hurts” Yep tears and drama. That’s my girl. Apparently the noise of that stupid ear “gun” had startled her more then anything. Good lord I had my ears done like 30 years ago…I had forgotten about the noise! Geez… Half of my friends used an ice cube and a safety pin!
She only cried for a minute, but it was enough to set of 7 year old SweetGirl who was waiting and watching from a safe distance in the hall.
Her story. Much the same, but with more…I don’t think I can do it…I don’t think I can do its. And a lot more.. Oh she is so cute, you will be fine sweeties from the small supportive crowd that was gathering. Why do adults all crowd around to watch such an event?
I did take pictures…I’m strange like that, but I really don’t think you want to see them.
They both recovered from their ear piercing trauma in a matter of moments.
It might take me a little bit longer.
I wasn’t allowed to get my ears pierced until I was in Grade 8. My Father always said….”If God wanted you to have holes in your ears you would have been born with them.” I believe now that making me wait, that rule, that line, was more for my parents. I think it was an excuse. A way to keep me younger, more innocent, to force me to slow down.
As I look at my babies now I swear to you they both look years older.
This morning they bounded out of bed like spring time bunnies. Requested hair up and ran to the car for their ride to school. Anxious to show off the new look.
We both learned hard lessons yesterday. They learned that it is sometimes hard work to be beautiful, and I learned you can’t slow them down, so you might as well enjoy the ride.
My girls have been asking since they were 5. They’re 8 now. I’ve said when they’re 10. Their father said when they’re 12. They’re sticking with me 😉
My sisters and I got our ears pierced when we turned six. I don’t remember it being that traumatic, but I know I was scared half to death when I first sat down in the chair.
I’m sure my daughter will want them done when she gets older. And I’ll probably go along with it. But it is definitely something that I want to put off as long as possible. Earrings make little girls look so grown up. It is unfair for us moms.