“Does your mom like heavy metal?”
Recently, one of my son’s friends posed this question after spotting me at a school fair. I couldn’t help but chuckle at my son’s response. It was likely prompted by my striking appearance, which certainly didn’t conform to the sea of parents clad in school spirit T-shirts, bustling around with enthusiasm.
Unlike many of the other parents, I sported tattoos, piercings, and dreadlocks.
To be fair, I can’t definitively say that others didn’t have hidden tattoos—perhaps tucked away on their lower backs or ankles. What I do know is that I stood out like a vibrant work of art.
While I felt confident, many of the parents regarded me as if I had just been released from prison, casting curious glances at my unconventional style.
Perhaps they haven’t encountered many parents like me in this area.
I understand that tattoos and piercings are not for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. However, it’s increasingly common to see them nowadays. So, why was I met with such disapproving stares?
Ah, right. I’m a mother of five, raising my children in an affluent school district. Society often dictates that mothers like me shouldn’t have so many tattoos. What kind of message am I sending? GASP! It’s alarming to some that I would allow my children to see this side of me.
But just for the sake of clarity, let me share what kind of mother I truly am.
I am a mother who loves her children immensely. My love knows no bounds and is so profoundly deep that it brings tears to my eyes. Tattoos do not hinder my ability to love them.
I am a mother who enjoys countless fun moments with my kids. We share laughter and inside jokes that make our bond stronger. My piercings don’t prevent me from having joyous experiences with them.
I am a mother who listens attentively to my children’s joys and struggles. They know they can come to me about anything, and I’ll be there to hold them close. My dreadlocks do not stop me from being an understanding parent.
I don’t often brag, but when it comes to motherhood: TOOT TOOT!
I strive to do my best every single day. My outward appearance has no bearing on my parenting. The message I hope to convey to my kids is that it’s perfectly fine to be themselves. It’s important to feel comfortable in their own skin and to embrace confidence, even if it’s perceived as arrogance by others. People will always have opinions, so why not be true to oneself?
I believe in seeing the good in people. I don’t judge based on appearances, but rather on character. If someone assumes I’m a poor mother based solely on my looks, that speaks volumes about them, not me.
I won’t dictate how others should raise their children. Teaching respect for others should be a universal principle. However, I affirm that my body modifications do not affect my capabilities as a mother. I am not the first mom like this, and I certainly won’t be the last. If you don’t like it, that’s your prerogative, but you’d be missing out on a lot of fun.
My kids are showered with love, and I’m confident they appreciate me just as I am. They take pride in me, and I am immensely proud of them. Our connection runs deeper than appearances; it’s rooted in the heart. Yes, even those of us with bold styles are capable of love.
And to answer that little girl’s question: Yes, I do enjoy heavy metal.
This article was originally published on April 19, 2016.
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Summary:
This article discusses how personal appearance, such as tattoos and piercings, does not define a mother’s ability to love and care for her children. The author emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and confidence, advocating that true parenting is rooted in love and connection, rather than societal expectations.
Keyphrase: Tattoos and Parenting
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