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Entitled Aunt Can’t Take No For An Answer, Pierces Niece’s Ears Anyway, Gets Banned From Family
Mom comforting upset baby during a visit after spotting unlicensed ear piercing with gold studs indoors.

Entitled Aunt Can’t Take No For An Answer, Pierces Niece’s Ears Anyway, Gets Banned From Family

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What would you do if your aunt were to pierce your newborn baby’s ears without your permission? Yup, that happened. Some folks hear “no” and somehow understand “go right ahead.”

It’s wild how certain relatives seem to think their “family” status grants them unlimited access to all decisions, big or small, about someone else’s kid.

One Redditor left her newborn daughter with her mom and aunt for 10 minutes to take a quick shower and came out to find her baby’s ears had been pierced by her aunt, with a borrowed tool.

More info: Reddit

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    Some aunts bring cookies when they visit, others come bearing entitlement and a hidden piercing tool

    Elderly woman holding baby with gold stud earrings after unlicensed ear piercing during family visit.

    Image credits: EyeEm / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    One new mom bans her aunt from coming near her baby again after she pierced her 3-month-old daughter’s ears with a borrowed tool

    Text post reading entitled aunt gave my baby a piercing without asking, followed by yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like about unlicensed ear piercing and mom’s reaction.

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    Text excerpt discussing cautious baby care during a visit, highlighting unlicensed ear piercing by aunt with gold studs.

    Text excerpt showing a mom describing her overbearing aunt pushing for unlicensed ear piercing on her baby with gold studs visible.

    Close-up of unlicensed ear piercing with a gold stud being inserted into a woman’s ear during a baby visit.

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    Image credits: user11486360 / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    The woman leaves her newborn baby with her mom and aunt for 10 minutes while she takes a shower

    Text image with phrase apparently no meant ask forgiveness not permission referencing unlicensed ear piercing incident.

    Text describing a mom finding unlicensed ear piercing with gold studs on baby during aunt’s visit, causing a strong reaction.

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    Text snippet showing aunt admitting to using unlicensed ear piercing gun kit during baby visit, causing mom to flip out.

    Text conversation stating someone lost it after an aunt sneaks in unlicensed ear piercing, shocking the mom with gold studs.

    Worried mom holding baby at home after spotting gold stud earrings from unlicensed ear piercing by aunt.

    Image credits: freepik / Freepik (not the actual photo)

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    When she returns, the mom discovers her aunt has pierced her baby’s ears without permission and with a borrowed tool

    Text message about urgent care visit after unlicensed ear piercing by aunt causing mom to flip out over gold studs.

    Text message conversation about a dramatic aunt sneaking in unlicensed ear piercing during a baby visit causing mom to flip out.

    Text message expressing anger about unlicensed ear piercing violating child's body without consent.

    Image credits:

    After taking the baby to urgent care for any infections, the woman tells her aunt to stay away from her and her baby, but is called “dramatic” for it

    The OP (original poster), a new mom, navigating life with a newborn baby girl, has been doing everything right. You know the drill: keeping germs away, no kissing the baby, and definitely no unnecessary touching. Like most new parents, she had a protective bubble around her bundle of joy. But not everyone was on the same page.

    The OP’s aunt, the “I know better than you” type, dropped by for a visit. And from the moment she laid eyes on the baby, she kept going on and on about how adorable she would look with pierced ears. The OP, staying calm, told her aunt that they were not planning on piercing her ears anytime soon.

    But to Auntie Boundary-Stomper, “no” was apparently just a suggestion. At some point during the visit, the OP went to take a well-earned shower, a peaceful 10-minute escape. She left the baby with grandma and auntie. What could possibly go wrong in 10 minutes, right? Well, turns out, a whole lot.

    While the OP was lathering up, her aunt whipped out a piercing tool she borrowed from a friend and pierced the baby’s ears. Yes, a friend. Not a pro, not a doctor, just some random buddy. When the OP stepped out of the bathroom, she heard the baby crying, and noticed something… shiny. Tiny little gold studs twinkling in her newborn’s earlobes. She was fuming.

    Auntie, on the other hand, was beaming, ready to accept her imaginary Best Aunt Award. But the OP completely lost it, told her aunt off, and rushed the baby to urgent care, just to make sure there wasn’t an infection. The next day, she informed her aunt she was not allowed to come near her family anytime soon. Auntie’s reply? She was just “trying to bond with her niece.”

    Baby with gold stud earrings after unlicensed ear piercing during a family visit, mom visibly upset in a home setting.

    Image credits: EyeEm / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    Lady, piercing a baby’s ears without consent from the parents is not cute, not sweet, not “just bonding”—it’s reckless. Piercing a baby’s ears can be a cultural norm or a personal choice, but it definitely comes with its own set of risks and rewards. On the plus side, babies are unlikely to remember the pain, and healing can be quicker with proper care.

    But here’s the catch: their immune systems are still developing, which means infections, allergic reactions, and even scarring are real possibilities. The pros usually recommend waiting until at least 6 months old, and doing it in a sterile environment with a trained professional, not your aunt with a sketchy piercing tool.

    But let’s not forget about consent. Babies can’t share their preferences regarding ear piercing. So, some folks would argue that parents (or aunties) should respect a child’s autonomy and allow them to make their own decision when they are older. Because bodily autonomy is real, folks.

    We all should have the right to make decisions about our own bodies. Yes, even if you’re fresh out of the womb. Just because a baby can’t talk yet doesn’t mean they don’t deserve respect. When someone decides to pierce a baby’s ears without consent, they’re not just being “extra”—they’re stomping all over the idea that every person should have control over what happens to their body.

    When kids grow up being poked, prodded, or pierced without a say, they start to internalize that their body isn’t really theirs, that adults get final say. It teaches them to ignore discomfort, doubt their instincts, and stay quiet instead of speaking up. It’s not about earrings—it’s about boundaries.

    What do you think of this story? What would you have done if you were in the poster’s shoes? Drop your thoughts and comments below!

    Netizens are horrified by the aunt’s actions, advising the mom to take legal action against her

    Comment on social media post reacting to unlicensed ear piercing incident with strong opinion on legal action needed.

    Comment discussing an aunt's unlicensed ear piercing during a baby visit and potential consequences from the mom.

    Comment discussing an aunt sneaking in unlicensed ear piercing with a gun kit during a baby visit surprising the mom.

    Comment discussing legal issues of an unlicensed ear piercing done by aunt without permission during baby visit.

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment expressing outrage over an aunt sneaking in an unlicensed ear piercing on a baby.

    Text post describing an aunt sneaking in an unlicensed ear piercing on a baby, causing the mom to be upset.

    Comment discussing unlicensed ear piercing by aunt on infant, with mom upset after spotting gold studs.

    Comment highlighting surprise about people unlicensed ear piercing children despite it being easy to understand not to do so.

    Comment about mom reacting after aunt sneaks in unlicensed ear piercing with gold studs during baby visit.

    Comment about aunt sneaking in unlicensed ear piercing during baby visit and mom's strong reaction to gold studs.

    Comment about mom flipping out after aunt sneaks in unlicensed ear piercing with gold studs on baby visit.

    Comment on a forum post discussing an aunt sneaking in an unlicensed ear piercing during a baby visit, causing the mom to react strongly.

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    Monica Selvi

    Monica Selvi

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Hi! I'm Moni. I’m a globetrotting creative with a camera in one hand and a notebook in the other. I’ve lived in 4 different countries, an visited 17, soaking up inspiration wherever I go. A marketer by trade but a writer at heart, I’ve been crafting stories, poems, and songs, and creating quirky characters since I was 7.

    Read less »
    Monica Selvi

    Monica Selvi

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Hi! I'm Moni. I’m a globetrotting creative with a camera in one hand and a notebook in the other. I’ve lived in 4 different countries, an visited 17, soaking up inspiration wherever I go. A marketer by trade but a writer at heart, I’ve been crafting stories, poems, and songs, and creating quirky characters since I was 7.

    Monika Pašukonytė

    Monika Pašukonytė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

    Read less »

    Monika Pašukonytė

    Monika Pašukonytė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

    What do you think ?
    barbara Nivens
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Take the studs out. Don't leave the baby alone with your mom because you won't be able to trust her to keep her sister away. Auntie no longer has a relationship with your family. Let your daughter decide, when she's in jr high at the soony, if she wants them pierced. ( I was in my mid 20s)

    A S Mora
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate the obsession with piercings babys' ears. I had mine pierced at a month old and several times since without my permission or reluctant permission so my mother would STF up. I'm currently looking into having my ears fixed because I'm sick of having to clean and drain puss from piercings I never wanted from some cheap piercing gun. Take auntie to court for damages as well. Get vindictive AF.

    Funhog
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The type of piercing tool used is irrelevant -- it's the quality of the earring that matters. It's alarming that your piercings are getting infected years later... maybe you have a sensitivity to cheap metals? I know people who must only wear solid gold (not plated) earrings, else their piercings become infected.

    Load More Replies...
    Paul C
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry, but I would go to the police over this. That's a*****t to do that without the permission of the parents. Or offer the aunt the option to lay down whilst I get my black and decker drill out to give her a set of holes in her ears.

    Load More Comments
    barbara Nivens
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Take the studs out. Don't leave the baby alone with your mom because you won't be able to trust her to keep her sister away. Auntie no longer has a relationship with your family. Let your daughter decide, when she's in jr high at the soony, if she wants them pierced. ( I was in my mid 20s)

    A S Mora
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate the obsession with piercings babys' ears. I had mine pierced at a month old and several times since without my permission or reluctant permission so my mother would STF up. I'm currently looking into having my ears fixed because I'm sick of having to clean and drain puss from piercings I never wanted from some cheap piercing gun. Take auntie to court for damages as well. Get vindictive AF.

    Funhog
    Community Member
    4 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The type of piercing tool used is irrelevant -- it's the quality of the earring that matters. It's alarming that your piercings are getting infected years later... maybe you have a sensitivity to cheap metals? I know people who must only wear solid gold (not plated) earrings, else their piercings become infected.

    Load More Replies...
    Paul C
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry, but I would go to the police over this. That's a*****t to do that without the permission of the parents. Or offer the aunt the option to lay down whilst I get my black and decker drill out to give her a set of holes in her ears.

    Load More Comments
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