One of my first memories is that of getting my ears pierced. I must have been 4 or 5. I remember the stinging needles pierce my ears, the burning astringent, and finally the excitement of these new pieces of jewelry: My very own pair of tiny heart earrings. It was a milestone. I was finally a big girl.
Now, I’m the mother of a 6-year-old little girl named Maya, and I was faced with my child begging to get her ears pierced. I tried putting it off until she turned 10. I was not looking forward to this process because I was concerned that the piercing would be painful—her ear lobes might get infected, and we’d be forced to let the hole close. But like all “good” mothers, I let her move ahead anyway.
As her 7th birthday approached, I finally caved in and said, “okay.” She jumped up and down for what seemed like an eternity and before I knew it, my mother, my 11-year-old niece, Julia, and I were planning the big day.
Two days later, my mom, Julia, and I were headed to Claire’s. Claire’s is a little girl’s dream: A Mecca of inexpensive jewelry, makeup, and shiny trinkets waiting to be purchased.
Maya was elated…until we got there. I saw a look of weariness come over her as we prepped her for the big moment. She chose her earrings and sat in the ear piercing chair. I thought she might cry but she hung in there with such resolve—I knew she was ready.
Within a second, it was done! Both ears, at the same time, were stung with guns that shot through her little lobes leaving her with brand-new pearl studs. They were beautiful and, thankfully, it was over. I could tell that it hurt and she was holding back the tears. She didn’t speak. However when we showed her, her reflection in the mirror, she smiled and I could tell she was relieved and happy.
The technician gave us directions on how to clean the area in order to prevent infection. I usually can’t seem to remember to help Maya with this task, but every morning and every night she appears with a bottle of antiseptic and a cotton ball ready for cleaning.
“It was worth doing but a lot of work to take care of,” Maya says now. So really, this has been a great lesson for her—she is learning to be responsible for her own body. See the slideshow below for Maya’s big moment!
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Karen Haberberg is a Manhattan mom and fabulous photographer–learn more about her at karenhaberberg.com.
