Originally Posted by Veggieburger:
Karma - my Mum used to say with regard to kids "choose your battles". It was the best advice on parenting I ever had.
My elder son at 14 wanted blue hair and his nose pierced. I checked with the school that they didn't mind and as they didn't I told him ok. Even went with him when he got the nose pierced.
Within 6-8 weeks he'd taken out the nose stud and shaved his hair off to get rid of the blue parts. If I'd have refused to let him have it done we would have had drama for months
*nods* Morning Veggie
When my youngest was 16 she was dead set on having her lip pierced. So I did not do ( as her father did) shout, and threaten to disinherit her
.
Instead I used the subtle approach - asked her if she had considered the risks - pain, infection etc
Also pointed out the lips had many nerve endings and that they are very sensitive and it may be quite uncomfortable.
At no time did I give my personal view which is UGHHHHH ugly!!! Neither did I say "why do you want to disfigure such a beautiful mouth?
So she had a think and had her tragus done instead.
Had I had said NO then I think she would have done it anyway cos she is her mothers daughter...
Let him be... he's found a way to rebel and a reason to argue it. He'll soon find how bloody difficult it is to deal with every day to maintain the level of grooming he thinks will cut it with his friends. Sleeping will take over from the time he might think he needs to spend on his haircut! 
