User blog comment:HIMG/PLEADING/@comment-1333071-20130315184347

I find myself agreeing with Stareh down there, and I have something else to add to it:

I'm seventeen years old and I do not have, and never have had, my ears pierced. My parents offer about once a month: "Annie, do you want your ears pierced?" Each time I refuse.

Here's why:
 * I have necklaces, bracelets, headbands, and rings instead.
 * I will have another responsibility for making sure that the holes do not close up.
 * The procedure to get ears pierced is expensive and is a health issue. Infections are the absolute WORST.
 * Earrings cost money!

In addition to those above points, some people view preteens getting their ears pierced as premature. They don't view preteens as prepared to take care of their body, especially during a period when so many other changes are going on.

I'm not trying to sound like a parent, but I just see the whole thing as really unnecessary and I think that your parents/you (whoever is going to pay for the procedure) should spend their/your hard-earned money on something that they/you might actually need.

If you're sure that you want your ears pierced and you're annoyed with me for pointing out the negatives, here's a few tips:
 * Do some research. Learn what to do if your ear becomes infected. Find some pairs of earrings that don't cost too much, and then obtain money- YOUR OWN MONEY- to buy them (be sure your ears are already pierced when you buy them). Also, save up some money for the procedure, if you can't find any place that does it for free.
 * Be responsible. Prove to your parents that you are hygienic and you can take care of yourself. Manage your money correctly. Don't make stupid decisions. Do well in school.
 * Ask correctly. This does not mean getting down on your knees and begging constantly. That's annoying and your parents are more likely to say no. Before you ask, clean your room, clean your bathroom, do the dishes, help cook dinner, pull out a 100% on your last test, and catch your parents in a good mood. If your dad just had a bad day at work, that's not a great time to ask him.
 * This is the most important: Accept your parents' decision. If they don't want you to get your ears pierced, respect that. Try again later. They're your parents, you know, and they're the ones who earn the bulk of the money, and they want what's best for you. Don't yell, don't scream, don't ask again the next day. Wait until the end of summer, perhaps, and ask to get your ears pierced for the start of school.

I hope this helps.