I have four piercings (two in each ear) and four tattoos. I would allow my theoretical child to have their ears pierced, but no ink 'til they're over 18 and can make their own choices.
Piercings absolutely, but tattoos no, not until they are older and mature enough to know what they want to permanantly put on their bodies.
I have thought the same thing about those large rings kids have pierced into their lobes to make them stretch. They should be warned about the old adage that your ears and nose grow as you age :lol3: And I agree with the ears only. No tatts or other piercings till eighteen.I don't have kids, but if I did, it would be ears only. Tats and other piercings when they were 18.
On a side note, I wonder about the kids who have big holes in their ears. I think of the old men who have huge ear lobes because age and gravity stretches them out. When these guys get to that age, their lobes and going to be touching their shoulders!