Wearing a bra was once seen as a significant milestone. However, as I’ve matured, I realize there’s a suitable time and place for them. Personally, I’d prefer to never wear one, but I do so when I’m running errands or visiting my children’s school to avoid causing them embarrassment. Often, I’ll throw on a sports bra at the last minute, because let’s be honest, old habits are hard to break.
But have I ever truly considered whether I wear a bra for my own comfort or to make others feel at ease? This should have been my first question. When my tween began asking about sports bras, I decided to take a different approach.
“Mom, do I need to wear a sports bra?” she asked, having just started playing soccer and noticing that many of her teammates were wearing them. The answer hinged on one key question: Will wearing a sports bra help you feel more comfortable?
Do They Need a Sports Bra, or Do They Want One?
Determining whether your tween needs a sports bra or simply wants one involves asking several questions. Is your tween’s body showing signs of development? This varies from child to child, but if you notice any budding, it’s a clear sign of maturation. If your child expresses discomfort due to sensitive breast tissue, it’s logical to introduce a sports or training bra to ease that discomfort.
On the flip side, as VeryWellFamily highlights, even if your tween hasn’t experienced physical development, wearing a bra can help them feel less self-conscious about the subtle changes in their body. Their desire for comfort is just as valid as needing physical support. In my daughter’s case, she initially thought that a bit of extra coverage would make her more comfortable, but after trying on a sports bra, she reassessed her feelings.
Remember, Comfort Comes First
In my own youth, wearing a sports bra, particularly as an athlete with double Ds, provided physical relief. Nowadays, comfort means not feeling confined by a garment that restricts me all day. It’s about freedom, not about wearing a bra to cater to someone else’s sensitivities (yes, I’ve had my share of comments from strangers at the grocery store about my bralessness in summer). Ultimately, I believe that our children should only wear bras if it enhances their comfort.
Interestingly, my daughter feels the same way. To her, comfort means avoiding the feeling of being constricted by an additional layer of clothing. And that’s perfectly fine. As parents, we need to be ready to answer all the questions about sports bras, training bras, bralettes, and more. Always keep the most important question in mind: What makes you feel most comfortable?
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Summary:
Navigating the topic of sports bras with your tween can be challenging yet essential. It’s important to focus on whether they need a bra for physical support or simply want one for comfort. Always prioritize their feelings and comfort above societal expectations.
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