post no. 111 -- Thoughts on Being a Heavily Tattooed Parent

Hey gang, this afternoon I've been doing a lot of thinking about Kris and my future together and the family we will one day have. Kris and I both are very fond of tattoos and plan to get much more work done in the future. We're both working on sleeves, and I am looking into about 4 other pieces as I type. The main thing that I had yet to think of however was the impact my choices might have on our future family.

I just finished watching a video posted by several tattooed mommy bloggers over the last few weeks about a  father named Dale and his road as a single parent to his pint sized daughter, Vegas. The video got me thinking about what impact being tattooed might have on our future babes.

Of course my first consult was with Google. The articles I found were somewhat disheartening, yet inspiring at the same time. One that specifically stuck out to me was an article by Sage Adderley, an Atlanta mother of two that has been heavily tattooed for over a decade and who has appeared on various programs showcasing the women behind the ink. Below is half of her series on her experiences as a tattooed mom.

Being an alternative parent can be a difficult path to walk but not impossible. First, you need to be comfortable in your own skin. Always choose your battles wisely. What is worth becoming upset over? Remember, the people who are judging you are expecting you to act in an immature and out of control manor, doing the opposite is helping to break the stigmas that are attached to being heavily tattooed. Finally, do not forget that children see and hear much more than we give them credit for. Your children are aware of how people are treating you, how they are being treated, and how you react to that treatment.

While I have informed you of the negative side of being a heavily tattooed parent, I do not at all recommend for anyone to be discouraged by this. Being proud of who you are and raising wonderful children in our society is a huge accomplishment. I commend those of you who proudly stand out. Here are some helpful words of advice to assist alternative parents with interacting in their community with their children.

Join a Moms Group

There are a many alternative families across the nation. By spending a little time online, you can easily find a local group of moms who have similar interests as yourself. Try the website Meetup. It allows you to search for groups in your area by topic or interest. If you are unable to locate a group, consider organizing your own Meetup. If you feel comfortable to join a moms group that isn't focused on alternative parenting, go for it! Being involved within your community in a productive way can help shed light that heavily tattooed people can be good, honest, and upstanding citizens of society.

Communicate With Your Child

Younger children may not be phased by the segregation that can happen when you are part of an alternative family, but older children will definitely notice the treatment. Talk openly and honest about how your family is just like everyone else except for your physical appearance. Explain that even though tattoos are not unusual for your family, they may be for other families. Make sure your child understands that people will stare out of curiosity.

You may also want to discuss with your child how tattoos change your outward appearance, but it doesn't change people on the inside. Explain that even though some people may not understand why people get heavily tattooed, we are all human beings with feelings and should treat each other respectfully

For more information about Sage, and her other articles, go here.

I have no regrets about my tattoos, and fully plan on getting many more despite how they may be viewed by others. I feel that tattoos, as well as many other forms of body modification, hair styles, etc. help you grow as a person, learn more about yourself, and about others as well. I am excited about Kris and my future as parents (one day) and our little family's big future!

I would love to hear any of your experiences as mothers or fathers that are, or even children of, heavily tattooed parents. Feel free to leave your comments below, or shoot me an e-mail at thepeablossom@gmail.com.