“Does your mom rock out to heavy metal?” A friend of my son recently asked him this after spotting me at a local school event. I couldn’t help but chuckle when he relayed this to me. Clearly, the question stemmed from the fact that I didn’t quite fit in with the other parents, all clad in matching school shirts and exuding an aura of traditional parental vibes.
Most of them, with their clean-cut appearances, lacked visible tattoos, piercings, or unconventional hairstyles. But there I was, a vibrant canvas of ink and style, standing out like a living piece of art.
While I felt a surge of confidence, I noticed some parents eyeing me as if I had just walked out of a maximum-security prison. Their glances suggested they had never encountered a mother sporting dreadlocks, facial piercings, and a vivid array of tattoos. Perhaps they just hadn’t in this neighborhood.
I recognize that not everyone appreciates body art or modifications, and that’s perfectly okay. However, in today’s world, it’s increasingly common to see individuals express themselves through such means. So why was I met with such bewilderment? Ah, yes. I am a mother. A mother whose kids attend a prestigious school. A mother of five young, impressionable children. And according to some societal norms, as a mom, I should not have so many tattoos. What kind of influence am I exerting on my kids? The horror!
Let me clarify exactly what kind of mother I am. I am a fiercely loving mom. My affection for my children is immeasurable and powerful enough to bring tears to my eyes. Tattoos do not hinder my capacity to love.
I am a playful mom who enjoys countless moments of laughter with my kids. Their quick wit and humor demonstrate that my piercings do not interfere with our fun times.
I am a listening mom. My children can share their highs and lows freely with me because they know I will always be there to lend an ear. They can rest their heads on my shoulder, and I will hold them for as long as they need. My dreadlocks don’t prevent me from being a supportive listener.
I don’t often brag, but when it comes to motherhood, I’ll sound my horn: Toot toot! I give my absolute best every single day, and my appearance has no bearing on that.
What message am I imparting to my children? I teach them that it’s perfectly acceptable to embrace who they are. Being comfortable in one’s own skin is vital. It’s okay to be so confident that others may label you as self-absorbed. People will always have opinions, so why not live authentically?
I strive to see the best in others and avoid judging someone based solely on their appearance. Character matters more than looks. If someone assumes I’m a bad mom because of my appearance, that reflects more on them than on me.
I don’t presume to dictate how anyone should raise their children, nor do I believe I need to instruct them to treat others with respect—after all, that should be innate. But I will assert that my body modifications have no impact on my effectiveness as a mother. I won’t be the last mom to embrace such individuality, nor will I be the first. If you don’t approve, simply look away, but you might be missing out on the fun. My kids are showered with love, and I’m confident they adore me just as I am. They take pride in me, and I, in turn, am proud of them. None of this revolves around appearances; it’s all about the heart.
Oh, and yes, I did make sure to answer that little girl’s question: Absolutely, I love rock and roll.
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In summary, my tattoos and piercings do not define my motherhood. I teach my children to embrace their individuality while fostering a loving and supportive environment. Just because I don’t fit the conventional mold doesn’t mean I’m any less of a devoted parent.