For many parents, the thought of their daughter needing a training bra may seem outlandish, but it’s actually a milestone in her development. And since it’s such an emotional time for both child and parent, it’s important to make the experience as positive as possible. Here are the answers to the most common questions parents have about this special time.
Does she really need one? Yes, your daughter needs a training bra as this type of bra brings comfort and support during a time of physical development. It will also help her feel more confident as her body develops.
What age is appropriate? The answer to this question depends on when your daughter begins to develop but usually the age range is 8-13. Some children may experience breast development earlier and need one sooner, while others may not begin to show signs until later.
What type of bra should I get her? It’s best to get a lightweight and comfortable bra with a few hooks at the back and adjustable straps. Make sure to get a cotton or a similarly breathable material to maximize comfort.
How do I handle the situation? When choosing a training bra, make sure to involve your daughter in the process and pick one that she is comfortable with. You can also take her to the store and use it as a special moment for you both. Talking to her about body changes applies to more than just training bras and will help your daughter learns and understands her body better.
What else do I need to know? At this stage, your daughter won’t need any padding in the bra. She will also need to go bra shopping whenever her size has changed. It’s important to educate your daughter on how to select the right size and style and how to care for her bra.
Should I buy her sexy bras or special lingerie? No, not yet. At this stage, she should stick to the basic sports bras and supportive underwear. It’s important to remember that this is a difficult enough time as it is for a child. Adding special lingerie will only cause her to feel uncomfortable and awkward about her body.
What about a bra party? While it may seem fun at the time, a bra party will likely just make your daughter overly self-conscious. Instead of making a big deal of it, you can opt for a special shopping day just for her.
Does she have to wear a bra to school? Training bras are not mandatory for school, so you should talk to your daughter about why she would or wouldn’t want to wear one to school. Clothes can be a big part of her identity at this age, so it’s important that she feel comfortable in her own skin with or without a training bra.
What about body shaming? This is a very real concern that many parents have when their daughter has reached this milestone. The best way to prevent body shaming is to lead by example. Let her know that it’s okay to be herself and that all body types are beautiful. Speak positively about her body, and make sure she knows that her size and shape are normal and natural.
What are signs that she’s ready for a training bra? A common sign that she may be ready for a training bra is if she notices that she’s started to develop a little bit. She may also start to feel uncomfortable and self-conscious wearing t-shirts without a bra. Look at buying one as a bonding experience with her rather than a chore.
What activities can I do with her to ease her feelings? You can help ease her feelings by talking to her openly and honestly. Encourage her to express her feelings and be there to lend an ear. It’s also a great opportunity to empower her by teaching her about body positivity.
Once you start talking, you and your daughter can also explore different activities to keep her feeling engaged and positive. You can go for a walk or take a baking class. You can also join a dance class or even watch a comedy film together to talk about body image.
What if she hates it? Don’t let her feel negative about her body. Make sure to talk to her about body positivity and show her that there is nothing wrong with her size and shape. Make sure she knows that all body types are equally beautiful.
Should she be careful when wearing a training bra? Yes. Over and above all else, make sure she understands the importance of proper care and a good fit. The last thing you want is for your daughter to go through unnecessary discomfort or embarrassment when wearing her bra.
What should she do if she’s feeling uncomfortable? Whenever she feels uncomfortable in her bra, it’s important to talk to her about it. Some of the more common causes of discomfort are the wrong size, a poor fit or a bad style. Talking to her should help her open up and help you understand what is causing her discomfort.
Shopping for lingerie should not be an uncomfortable experience. Make sure to help your daughter select a bra that she likes, feels comfortable with and fits her body perfectly. If she says no to a bra, don’t pressure her. Make sure this is a positive experience for her since it’s such an important milestone.
In times when your daughter is struggling with her body image, be her ally. Encourage her to donate the clothing that no longer fits in order to encourage a more positive body image. Little things like this will make a world of difference in the way she looks and feels.
Finally, it’s important to remember that buying her first bra isn’t just about supplying her with proper clothing. It’s also about teaching your daughter about body positivity and how her body is normal and natural. It’s about providing her with a sense of empowerment and teaching her that her size and shape are nothing to be ashamed of.
