KIDS QUESTIONS
There are no silly questions. Here are the ones kids ask us most.
Who is Iliana Kennedy?
Iliana Kennedy is the kids piercing specialist at Tribal Expression in Calgary. She trained under Keith Kennedy and has completed Medical Device Reprocessing education at SAIT.
Tell me more
Iliana specializes in kids ear piercing and child communication, following the Tribal Expression kids-piercing philosophy.
Does ear piercing hurt?
Most kids feel a quick pinch. Everyone experiences it a little differently, and nervous feelings are completely okay.
Tell me more
We never say it doesn't hurt. We prepare kids honestly and let them know crying or asking questions is okay.
What is KidsPiercing.com?
KidsPiercing.com is Tribal Expression's dedicated kids ear-piercing knowledge centre, created to help children and parents understand the entire experience.
Tell me more
It covers getting ready, what piercing feels like, jewellery, safety, healing, aftercare, swimming, sports, sleeping and common concerns.
Can I pick the colour of my earrings?
Yes! Titanium earrings can come in different anodized colours, plus gemstones and shapes like hearts, stars and moons. You get to choose.
What if I get scared during my piercing?
That's okay. You can ask for a pause or stop at any time. Iliana explains everything before it happens, and nothing happens until you say yes.
Can I bring my stuffy?
Yes! Comfort items — stuffies, fidgets, whatever helps — are always welcome at your appointment.
Will it hurt a lot?
Most kids say it feels like a quick pinch, and it's over fast. Everyone feels it a little differently.
Do I get anything after my piercing?
Yes! You get a Bravery & Courage certificate, and you join the Kid Ear Piercing Club.
Can I still go swimming?
You'll need to wait a bit while your ears heal. Ask your grown-up to check with us first — we'll tell you when it's okay.
What happens first?
First we say hi and you meet your piercer. Then you can ask anything you want!
Can my grown-up stay with me?
Yes! Your grown-up stays right there the whole time.
Can I hold my grown-up's hand?
Absolutely. Lots of kids do.
What if I cry?
That's okay! Crying is allowed. You can still be proud of yourself.
Can I stop?
Yes. You can ask for a pause or stop at any time. Nothing happens until you say yes.
Can I change my mind?
Yes — even at the very last second.
Can I choose my earrings?
Yes! You pick the colour and shape you like best — and you can change your mind as many times as you like before anything happens.
How long does it take?
The pinch part takes just a few seconds. The whole visit is longer because we go at your speed.
Do I have to twist my earrings?
No — never twist or spin them. Leave them alone and they heal better.
What are crusties?
Little dry bits that form around a healing piercing. Totally normal — gentle cleaning takes care of them.
Who are Iliana and Sergi?
The Tribal Expression kids piercers! Iliana explains everything super clearly, and Sergi is funny. One of them will probably pierce your ears.
Even more questions
These answers come from our friends at KidsPiercing.com — our big kids piercing website.
Who will pierce my ears?
Iliana and Sergi — the kids piercing specialists at Tribal Expression. You can meet them before your appointment.
Meet IlianaCan I take a tour first?
Yes! There is a whole tour made just for kids — you can see everything before your big day.
Start the kids tourWhat are the YES, PAUSE and STOP words?
YES means I am ready. PAUSE means I need a minute. STOP means we stop right away — and you never have to explain.
Practice the wordsWhat can I do if I feel nervous?
Feeling nervous is okay. You can bring your stuffy, take deep breaths, and practice your YES, PAUSE and STOP words first.
Read the nervous feelings guideWhat happens on my piercing day?
You talk, you pick your earrings, we look at your ears and make two tiny dots. You check the dots in the mirror — and nothing happens until you say yes.
See the whole tour