While being a mother typically involves hectic schedules of work, sports, play dates and homework, a group of local moms chose to spend their morning, laughing and gritting their teeth as they fought off the typical mom-stereotype.

Seated in a small room at American Graffiti Tattoos in Brighton, three moms spent their morning ooh-ing and ahh-ing over their friends latest tattoos, while talking about their kids, husbands and what they were going to make for dinner. 

Each of the women had at least two children and were in their late 30’s, early 40’s and, according to American Graffiti tattoo artist John Nixon, moms getting tattoos is a common trend.

"Everybody's getting tattoos these days," he said.

Although flowers are the most requested tattoo by mothers, Nixon said designs with their children’s names was also a popular choice- but there are other options as well.

“I had some moms come in here and actually want some creepy skulls,” he said.

Lynette Arpi of Hartland, who was getting her sixth and seventh tattoo on Monday showed off her shoulder tattoo of her and her two daughter’s initials in the shape of a heart.

"I get tattoos that represent something to me," she said. 

While Arpi had several tattoos before her children were born, her friend, Cherise Docis of Hartland said she didn’t get her first one until after she had two children. 

Docis, who was getting her second tattoo that day, said that it took a girlfriend to talk her into getting her first one.

“It just took me forever because I don’t like pain,” she said.

It was also a question of not knowing what she wanted, Docis said, until she decided on a friendship symbol, honoring one of her girlfriends. 

Although the mothers said they had no problem going home and showing their children their new tattoos, they all admitted to being afraid of the reactions from one person in their lives.

“I will not tell my mother,” Docis said with a laugh.