By Ellen Odell 
Every parent has the right to raise their child in their own way, but some unconventional practices can spark confusion or even judgment from others. While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, many people have raised concerns about Shameka Morris, who has chosen to adorn her baby’s body with decorative tattoos.
Each mother brings her own beliefs and methods to parenting, but certain practices—especially those impacting a child’s safety and well-being—can become quite controversial, as seen in this case.
Shameka Morris, a fashion designer from West Palm Beach, Florida, has sparked viral controversy on social media with her unconventional parenting choice. Morris has been applying tattoos to her son, Treylin, since he was just six months old. Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to note that the tattoos are painless and temporary. However, the bold look, as seen in photos where Treylin’s body is almost entirely covered in ink, has drawn global attention and sparked a heated debate.
While some may wonder why there’s so much outrage over temporary tattoos, the sheer number and full-body coverage have raised concerns. Despite the criticism, Shameka remains unapologetic, frequently expressing her love for tattoos and standing by her decision.
Despite the tattoos being temporary and her son smiling in many of the photos, Shameka Morris remains unfazed by the opinions of others. She confidently states, “For those who judge me, I don’t care—this is a lifestyle we enjoy.”
In a recent interview, Shameka opened up about her experience, saying, “I receive a lot of harsh reactions. People accuse me of raising my son to be a ‘gangster’ or a ‘thug,’ as they aren’t used to seeing a baby with tattoos.”
Shameka also shared that the controversy began during her pregnancy with Treylin. At eight months pregnant, she did a maternity shoot at a tattoo parlor with her brothers, and that’s when the criticism on social media started. Many negative comments suggested her baby would be “born covered in tattoos” or have “tainted skin.”
Though the temporary body art isn’t physically harming Treylin, many people are concerned that this practice could have a negative impact on him, especially considering his young age. Critics argue that he’s too young to understand the meaning behind the tattoos, and since he can’t yet comprehend the concept of consent, it’s unclear how he truly feels about the decorations on his body.
Morris, however, insists that her baby enjoys the tattoos, claiming that he dances in front of the mirror and seems more confident. But given that babies are too young to make their own decisions, many remain skeptical.
While it’s one thing if an older child chooses to express themselves creatively in this way, many believe that since Treylin is so young, it seems more like an outlet for his mother’s creativity—one that would be better expressed on her own body rather than his.
Shameka Morris admits that the backlash from critics has taken an emotional toll on her. “The reaction has been terrible. It hurts my feelings because I know I am not a bad mother,” she shared.
Her sister, Dinera, initially opposed the idea. “When Shameka came up with the idea, I was totally against it. I didn’t want her to do that with him. But after seeing the positive impact it’s had on her and Treylin, I no longer have an issue with it,” Dinera explained.
While concerns about Morris’s parenting choices are understandable, labeling a child a “thug” based solely on body art crosses a line into racial prejudice. Criticism of her creative decisions is one thing, but such assumptions based on appearance are not justified.