Katy Winn, AP "The kids are growing fast — riding dirt bikes and skateboards, taking piano classes," says Wahlberg. (From left, Mark Wahlberg, his son, Michael Brendan, daughter,Ella, and wife, Rhea.)
Mark Wahlberg recently made the decision to undergo the removal of his tattoos in order to send a message to his children.
"I don't want my kids getting tattoos," said Wahlberg on "The Today" show recently. "I've taken my two older kids to the procedure so they see how painful it is and what I have to go through."
The actor has various tattoos on his body including a Sylvester the Cat and Tweety Bird on his ankle, his initials "MW" along with his surname on his right arm, Bob Marley and the phrase "One Love" on his left arm, as well as a rosary around his neck with a crucifix, and "In God I Trust" resting over his heart.
Wahlberg originally had intended for them to be removed at an earlier date, but ended up waiting.
"I wanted them to be removed by the time I did 'The Fighter' because putting make-up on and covering them up has always been a pain in the butt," he added.
He considered the ink a burden on himself. However he does not regret getting them since he stated that all the tattoos have a special meaning to him that is "both personal and professional."
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Wahlberg has four children in total including 8-year-old Ella Rae, and 5-year-old Michael, who ended up attending one of the removal sessions. His other two children are 3-year-old Brendan Joseph and 2-year-old Grace Margaret.
The actor has also stated that he does not want his children to consider acting for a career, but will concede if that is the path they decide to take.
"I don't want my kids to be in the entertainment business either, which is why I'm trying to build a lot of [separate] businesses," he said. "If they feel [passionate about acting], and that's the decision they want to make, then I'll support them. But I'll do everything I can to point them in another direction."
SEE VIDEO OF WAHLBERG TALKING ABOUT HIS ORDEAL ON DAVID LETTERMAN
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