I wasnt allowed to get my ears pierced until i was 16... Mum and Dad gave in when i was about 12 (but my YOUNGER sister was allowed to get hers done on the same day grrh)

We have decided that we are going to wait until Molly Jane can ask and give us a reason (not just cos) any reason, even if its because they are pretty... we figure then she will be old enough and be able to understand the pain and also be responsible for them... Thats what we are doing

Friends of mine had her boys (single ear) done at about 2 years with the oldest and i think the younger one was about 6 mths with his, neiter had problems.

I thing really, you need to do it when you and your DP are feel that its right... FWIW i am a terrible fiddler and even at the age of 12 i wouldnt leave them alone, pain tends to stop the fiddling for the first little while thou.

HTH