Forum Discussion: Preschool Teacher With a Wrist Tattoo?
Sunday July 10, 2005
Gollon32 writes: "I currently have six tattoos...I keep thinking of a wrist tattoo. Something very delicate and pretty on the inside of my wrist. I'm still thinking so I haven't decided on exactly what I want. I'm thinking of maybe a word or symbol. Here's my question. Do you think a wrist tattoo would be looked down upon more so than a tattoo somewhere else? I am a preschool teacher so I feel that I should cover it up while I'm at work...I'm just a little concerned that one on the wrist would be harder to hide. I know I can cover it with a bracelet or watch. I am curious to hear from others who have a wrist tattoo." (Join this discussion now)
Comments
well, you are right, wrist tattoos ARE very hard to hide. I have sleeves and it makes life very difficult. Wearing long sleeves isn’t a big deal, but the ink on my wrists shows on a regular basis and I cannot do anything to keep it covered – sleeves ride up as you move around. I would not recommend getting anything below the elbow; it will make your life super difficult and is not worth it. Hope this helps!
I think a wrist tattoo all depends on the size. I know of several people – doctors lawyers accountants teachers who have tattoos on their wrists and easily hide them with watches bracelets.
I’m off to get my wrist tattoo on tuesday – I’m a lawyer!
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I am in the same situation I work at a day care and I want to get a tattoo I already have one that I have to keep covered with a band-aid. I believe that if you want to get a tattoo you should do it for you. I would review the policy your company has on tattoos to see what they say about them.
I am also considering a wrist tattoo. but I think that covering it would be easy enough if you get a small one, with some bracelets or a watch. I think that if we really want to get it, then we should. As long as it is something that wouldnt offend anyone, that who cares.
I just got a wrist tattoo and I love it. It is a little under an inch tall and about 2 inches long. I can hide it with long sleeves, watches or a bracelet. If you really want it I would go for it!!!!
I got flames around my lower left wrist, im 18 and got them less than a month ago, I work at a resturant and the only porblem i have with them is that i have to cover it up when im working with customers, But anyother time im fine. Id think if i was in your position, id only really cover it up if i had meetings with parents or advisors, because id think your students would think its cool even though they arent really aware that its permenent. to be honest most of the time i dont even realize i have them unless people point it out. then its like o yeha its real, but id say go for it, in a few years the younger generations with tattos will be growing up and it will be accepted.
go for it, if its small you can cover it up. Plus, its your boby, your choice. have fun. lifes to short!!!
i got my wrist tattoo about 2 months ago (cursive, black initials). I work in an office and waitress and it has never been a problem. i tried to hide it for a while with sleeves but people DO see it and everyone (including my bosses) are cool with it. then again, a lot of people didn’t notice it until i, or someone, pointed it out. the underside of your wrist is definitely a more discreet spot. go for it! you’ll love it!
You would be surprised of how many people DO NOT care what u have a tattoo of or WHERE it is…Many people realize that tattoes are self expression. I have quite a few piercings, visible; nose ring, 2 tongue rings, labret and industrial. The only time you need to hide them is on the interview. Many people who interview you have tattoes themselves!! they are common in this day and age! be urself, express urself, don’t cover sh*t up! I don’t care what people think of my piercings and black nail polish. On top of that I am African American. Get the wrist tattoo. do what makes YOU happy!
I say go for it. Like some of the others say here, it’s your body, your life. I have a tattoo on my inner wrist of a cross and I love it. I was told that you can’t get a tattoo too low because the skin right on the wrist is not suitable for tattoos, so mine starts about 1.5 inches above the hand. If I want to I can easily hide it, or show it off. I reckon you have the best of both worlds getting a tattoo there. Good luck in the quest for a new tattoo!!
Got for it GURL!!!
this is what i have :O) i love it!!!
this is it..
I have a wrist band tattoo. I have to cover it up since I work as a temp and I represent the temp agency. I have found that half of the businesses really don’t care if you have a tattoo. Go for it.
I taught pre-K Head Start last year. I was very conscientious about hiding my tattoos (on my toe and mid-back) — until I met the parents and grandparents of the children I worked with. They had so many more overtly-placed piercings and tattoos than I’d ever dream of getting.
On the other hand, when I worked in a more middle-class area, I usually kept my tattoos to myself. In retrospect, it probably wouldn’t have mattered. I teach third grade right now and my kids think the one on my toe is cool. I don’t plan on exposing my mid-back to them, so that’s not an issue.
Basically, as long as it’s tasteful, and you’ve got tenure or are in a union (so the school can’t give you a hard time), it shouldn’t be a problem.
Hello, I am 17, Rebelled, and got a wrist tattoo, I am really glad I got one as everytime I look at my Tattoo it reminds me how short life is and to take chances an just go for things not letting anything else stop you.
I work in a nursery and no one has noticed my tattoo yet, it is very noticible as it is 3 inches across my wrist and 2 inches from the top to bottom. I cover it with a watch sometimes as I have only worked at the nursery for 3 months and didnt want to be judged for having a tattoo, I wanted my manager to judge me on how I work and who I am. Lots of my friends like my tattoo and alot of people were shocked as they didnt think I would get one. Sometimes I think about considering laser removal treatment as the design of the tattoo has no meaning it was just a design I liked, I would love my name in script or something with a more personal meaning.
The thing that put me off not exploiting my tattoo in work was when i read the contract and in Bold writing it stated “Tattoos MUST be covered” which to me, gave me the impression the manager isnt too fond of tattoos if they have mentioned it.
I dont think I should have to mention I have a tattoo and my way of thinking about tattoos is that they become a part of you like a birthmark or it could be called a “lifemark” as it is a constant reminder of how you felt when getting your tattoo, for me it reminds me of living life in the moment,
It is completely up to you whether you get your tattoo or not, I hope what I wrote helps
xx
I have the same problem – i am a teacher and i would really like a tattoo between my elbow and wrist – not the whole area – just about 3×2 inches – as a memorial tatto for my brother who sadly passed away recently. but my hubby saya that as i am a teacher i shouldn’t have it there – even though we both have lots of tattoos in other places – as he thinks it will cause problems when applying for other jobs but as far as i am concerned i wanted a tattoo in this area for over a year now and i wanted something important, symbolic and meaningful and the memorial tatto would be just that – it would be a rowan tree leaf and berries – not something hideous or freaky or anything. i am due to view the frawings for this tatto in a few days and hop to get it done within a couple of weeks but now i am having nagging doubts about where to have it even though i desperately want it on the inside of my arm.any suggestions anyone?
I am a third grade teacher and i recently got a star tattoo on my right and btw the thumb and index finger. I am 31 yrs old and i have one other that is not visible. I have been worried about how that’s going to go over when school starts back. My assistant principal was cool with it. I did it to represent freedom and self-expression. I like it. And I really don’t feel like my abilities to teach effectiviely are affected in any way. What are your thoughts?
You know, I have been considering doing the same thing for over a year now. And I still like the idea I have for my wrist tattoo, so I am still considering getting it done. It still means something to me and probably will mean something to me for the rest of my life. I want to get some celtic knotwork done on the top of my wrist and have it wrap around somewhat, but like others have said.. what kind of effect it would have on my current/future career prospects? Ultimately, I would like to be an artist or art teacher. I just recently started thinking about that aspect of the tatt. I wonder why people look at you differently for having a wrist tat vs. an ankle tat?? wth. My ex boss told me (and she has several tats, whereas this would be my first) to start out on the ankles or shoulder/blade areas.. What do you think??
I am a parent of a preschool child. I have a very successful job & consider myself somewhat liberal. I feel that my child should NOT be exposed to piercings & tatoos in an educational environment at such a young age. It is extremely difficult trying to explain those types of things to 5 year olds.
I would say – keep in in a spot that can be completely covered or don’t get it. Morals are important and you should respect other people children in your care. Kids are very impressionable – don’t forget – YOU ARE A ROLE MODEL for them.
If you were with older children, I wouldn’t have a problem with it. Because it’s far easier to explain to older children or teenagers.
I actually have a tattoo on my inner wrist. It’s about 1×1 inch. I’m telling you right now.. it’s VERY easy to hide with a bracelet or watch. Hey, or even a bandaid! If you get something elaborate, then it’s easier to notice, but mine isn’t too big. It’s just right and I love it. I’m sure a pre-schooler won’t even remember you had that tattoo in a few years or even remember what it was for that matter. anyways, i say go for it. you only live once!
And btw, it’s true.. no one ever notices my tattoo unless i point it out or i move my arm in a certain way & they see it. don’t worry about it!
If you are planning to hide it. You shouldn’t get it. My wrist is tattooed. Your fear cheapens the aesthetic.
It’s a hard decision if you work in a school. Adminstration and parnets can have a really problem with that sort of thing. I think may people have the idea that criminals and people with loose morals get tatoos.
Personally I think there is nothing wrong with a few tastefully done tatoos in a workplace with or without kids.
As for “liberal” Jen above… What is there to explain that is so difficult? That a person can get permanent art work put on their body to express themselves? …or why they can’t ever get one because thats what criminals and bad people get? Do you think they are never going to see a tatoo in there entire life? There are a lot more important things to worry about influencing your children these days.
i am seriously considering a job as a pre-school teacher. i’ve done assistant teaching here and there and i love it. that whole time i had an eyebrow ring and a tattoo on the back of my neck that was visible during the summer months. kids have lightly questioned the eyebrow ring, but it was never a huge deal. this past summer i got a larger tattoo on my upper back and i wore clothes that would cover it up because i wasn’t sure of the reaction it would get.
Now, i really want to get a tattoo on he palm of my hand. i feel like i have to choose between the tattoo and the job as a pre-school teacher. it would be the outline of my dogs paw print. it’s something that really means a lot to me. i don’t think it would jump out as much as it would if it were filled in, but i still think it might be a problem with school directors and parents. nobody noticed the new one on my wrist, but i feel like something on the palm of my hand is a little more noticable.
any thoughts?
I saw this video on youtube where this girl covered her wrist tattoo. I tried it and it worked REALLY well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6ZfPz98Jv0
Thank you for posting such honesty on this board. I have the insides of both of my wrists tattooed (Ganesha and the heart Chakra), the tops of my feet tattooed with Dia e los Muertos inspired skulls (very girly and cute), and a half sleeve of a peacock. I am studying in school to become a Special Education Teacher and I am very concerned about not being able to get a job based on my tattoos. I am also concerned about the perceptions students, parents, colleagues, and administrators with have of me as a result of them. Reading about your own experiences with visible tattoos is giving me the courage to pursue my passion without letting something like my personal choices of expression effect me negatively or make me feel inadequate. I read one board that made me cry earlier. Teachers were saying that they viewed people with tattoos as criminals, sluts, and scumbags.
That stuff is really hurtful.
I’ve been reading many discussions about teachers with tattoos, and the prejudice and disgust expressed by many people is very sad. I teach kindergarten and I have a number of large tattoos in various places. I DO cover them for work, but only because I fear the backlash from judgmental people. I am a great teacher and and continue to grow professionally. My tattoos do not change who I am or how I teach. For those who are disgusted and biased against teachers or people with tattoos–you are teaching your own children to be biased. Please, let’s embrace human individuality just as we embrace different cultures, different tastes in music and clothing, etc. Teachers are people! We are individuals who, while teaching is often a major part of our lives and self-concept, should be allowed the opportunity to express ourselves in ways that do not hurt children. My having tattoos certainly does not hurt children.
Hi all. It is amazing how so many people are wondering the exact same thing as each other. I am also a teacher in training, I have just completed my first year of university with High Distinction (85%+) averages. I have a sleeve tattoo, and have had since before I started my degree. My tattoo obviously does not affect my intellectual ability.
I think (elaborating on ‘open’s point) that moral people are only represented by moral people – I do not disagree for a second that we as teachers are (directly and indirectly) role models for young, impressionable minds. A sleeve tattoo (dedicated entirely to my family) on my arm causes no offence to a child who has not yet been shown the meaning of offensive. It simply exposes them to a visual representation of many sub-cultures – which could only be a good thing considering the contents of the syllabus regarding equity and equality. I would be happy to justify (although I shouldnt have to) the reasoning behind getting my tattooes to any potential employer – I consider myself a man of morals, and will not be prejudiced against by anyone, before they hear me out.
BE AN INDIVIDUAL.
I am getting a tattoo right in the middle of my collar bone today, i am going into education focusing on Kindergarten. In my oppinion if you really want a tattoo you will find a way to cover it up. since you are a preschool teacher big clunky fun bracelets in layers will do just fine. i used to wear them on a daily basis and it makes life non the harder. as for me i will wear turtle necked shirts or high collard shirts. if i want a tat i am going to get it, and do my best to make sure i am in dress code while on the job! I wish you luck and i do hope you get your tattoo
I really want a small wrist tattoo. one line of text about a half an inch tall.
I’m not worried about whether I can get away with the tattoo showing or not. I personally wouldn’t want it to show at all.
That said, is covering one line of text on my wrist with a watch or livestrong band going to work? Does anyone have experience with this? Is it too tough to keep a watch in place?
I want to get a tattoo somewhere where I can see it at all times. In this case, if I’m covering it up all day, seeing the watch will remind me of my tattoo. But if it’s going to show i won’t get it.
Any thoughts