To avoid all legal and most health-risk issues, talk with your child about getting a temporary tattoo instead. The tattoos come in a decal form and stick to the first layer of skin with a wet cloth or ball of cotton. Consider animals, cars, flowers, smiley faces, "mom-in-a-heart" designs and their favorite cartoon or movie characters. The tattoos wash off in the bath or shower, or by hand washing, in two to three days.
According to an FDA report updated September 2006, some temporary tattoo brands contain color additives. The FDA has received reports of allergic reactions to some temporary tattoos. According to Consumer Safety Officer Allen Halper of FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors, imported temporary tattoos---illegal in the U.S.---do not have the required ingredient list on the label. Check that the tattoos are not imported when purchasing so you can verify the tattoos are non-toxic, that is, that they do not have color additives.
If you are comfortable with your child getting a professional tattoo, come up with some words and phrases she may want permanently on her body. Think about her last name, a grandparent's name or nickname, mom, dad or the name of a sibling. Or, consider a phrase he finds meaningful, maybe from a story he likes or a religious quote significant to his values. Avoid long phrases---over four or five words---because if your child cannot endure the pain he may have to sport an incomplete sentence.
One of the most popular tattoo ideas, kids love to sport their favorite animals. Discuss with your child the importance of choosing an animal they will like wearing, and explaining, for their lifetime. Consider animals that have a significance beyond just being cute or lovable.
Baby animals may look sweet on a young child, but imagine what a baby bunny munching on a tuft of grass will look like on a 53-year-old man or woman. Tattoos of strong, spirit-animal type creatures---like lions, eagles, dolphins, snakes, swallows, tigers, whales, hawks and wolves--tend to age well. Dinosaurs and mythical creatures, like unicorns or dragons, may appeal better as temporary tattoos.
Discuss with your child their favorite sport or activity. If she loves playing soccer, think about getting a soccer ball or goal tattoo. If he loves horseback riding, think about creating a horse-jumping scene or an image of a horse resembling the one they ride. Remind your child that they may grow up to dislike the sport or activity, even though it might seem impossible at the time. Minimize pain and later regret by talking with the tattoo professional about small tattoos.
When considering a tattoo, one of the first questions is where to place it and how large. Discuss with your child a small tattoo to start. When they are older they might want to get a larger one or add to the small one they got as a minor.
Highly visible spots like the forearm, neck or leg may cause too much exposure and attention for a child. Let them pick a spot on the body that is less visible---like the back or foot---so the tattoo becomes special to them because only they see it each day.
According to KidsHealth.org, put safety first when considering a tattoo and all tattoo designs. Before getting a tattoo, parents and their kids should check that the tattoo artist is a licensed practitioner and that the tattoo artist can provide references. Also check that the tattoo studio follows the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Universal Precautions. No matter how small or large, a completed tattoo is considered a wound and is susceptible to irritation and infection.