Piercing Opinions

There I was, just trying to survive another U15 girls’ hockey game, doing my best to look like I understand the game… when a teammate’s dad leans over the railing like a guy about to sell knock-off purses from the trunk of his car and says, just loud enough for every mom to tune in, “Would you let a 15-year-old girl get a belly button ring?”

Now listen. You never know what you’re walking into with a setup like that. And to be honest, I figured it was going to be some smart-a$$ joke—well, because Murphy has my number. 

Nope. He was serious. All eyes were on me. I could feel sweat beading on my brow. I thought he was gonna ask if the ref was blind. Not hit me with a full-blown parenting ethics tribunal before the first period even ended. But hey—I’ve got thoughts. I’m not anti-piercing. 

Facial rings? Artistic expression. 

Eyebrow bar? Punk rock poetry.

But a belly button ring? That’s not “I’m finding myself.” That’s “Meet me behind the food court at 7.” 

And yes—before anyone @’s me—I fully believe women should dress how they want, express themselves however they choose, and never be shamed for it

Now, full disclosure: this is a classic “Do as I say, not as I do” situation. Teenage me would’ve been all in on a belly ring. But now? I’m the sheriff of this hormonal town, and if I can keep my kid’s navel jewelry-free until she can pay for it herself and drive herself to regret it—I will.

He nodded… then handed me a five-dollar bill. Apparently, I’d just won a parenting debate he was losing at home. I was the tie-breaker. The neutral third party. I was the rinkside Judge Judy.

Naturally, I tucked the fiver into my bra (because I’m classy like that), turned to the bleachers, and declared, “Any other domestics need settling? Piercings, curfews, TikTok policies? I’m open for business.”

In the end, the rest of the game was a wash as the parents debated amongst ourselves. What do you think?

 

Janet Smith is a proud mom of one daughter and a marketing professional who is grateful for her rural roots in the London area. Follow Janet’s funny and honest journey at IG & TT | @re.marketable.janet or FB | @janetsiddallsmith