Undershirts, Sports Bras and Training Bras, Oh My!

[ladyandrearose]

DD is almost 7.5. Lately DH and I have been noticing her nippling through her shirts. (It wasn't even cold out!) Any advice on where to start? I wasn't expecting this for a couple more years! Do they even make anything for such a young girl? She doesn't like layering so an undershirt seems like too much extra fabric. Any great ways of bringing up the topic with DD? (DH says I'm on my own on this one and I really don't have any mom friends outside of this site!) Help!

Thanks!

[sarahisis]

I know they have sports bras that are just a thin material kind.... can't be for support at that age so that would work well probably.... probably similar to a bathing suit top

[lilmermaid]

My DD was 8! We started with the Target or Walmart brands. The 2 for whatever price. Super thin layer but enough to cover the nippling. I refuse to let her get the padded ones, no need imo.

As for bringing up the subject. Do other girls she knows wear them already? Try having her look at herself in the mirror so she can see what you see. I love The American Girl books for talking about changes, etc.

Good Luck!!!!

[sharon]

If you haven't yet had the larger conversation about puberty and the coming changes, then I think doing this within that context makes sense. It will also help with future conversations, since you can refer back and don't have to start from scratch, for instance, when she needs deodorant.

Robie Harris has a great series of books about sexuality and bodies that I know I've mentioned on here before and they explain puberty very well. We found those a great place to start. Ian recently got one out again and asked me to help him find that page that talked about early puberty signs to remind himself. Knowing what he's watching for and why it's happening has worked well for him.

Like Lil said, AG has some books on the topic too, and I'm sure there are others. I think "It's So Amazing" is the Harris book that they say is for 7 and up. We found the ages on the front of the book to be older than reality, but your mileage may very. The one that said it was for 10 and up talked about body changes that it said can start at 8 or 9, which I thought was odd. But we're all about being proactive.

And if talking about sexuality topics seems scary or uncomfortable there's a GREAT book for parents about figuring out what works for you and how to convey your own values at different ages called From Diapers to Dating by Deborah Haffner. I found it really really helpful. I wasn't raised talking about this stuff and had a kid who before he was two wowed me with his first reproductive related question.

[ladyandrearose]

Thanks ladies, this is a great start, especially the book recommendations. I honestly didn't think I'd have to think about this at 7 years old!!! I know she can't be a baby forever, but 7??? I guess I'm adding sports bras to the Target list tonight. I never would have guessed they made sports bras that small.

[deannemdm]

My DD is almost 13 and small, but is growing-- she does not want a bra, but will wear tank top under her shirts. I try to get the ones with extra lining in front at the top-- almost like a sport bra type, but not as obvious. I have gotten her a few starter bras but she does not want to wear them yet. I think with starting 7th grade this fall, she may change her mind? I got her the American Girl book about puberty and others changes about taking care of you (acne, exercise, skin care, dental care, body odor, hair care and new growth..etc etc etc...

[ladyandrearose]

We bought s o m e "bralettes" They are kind of like 1/2 tank tops. She lovsz as them and says they are comfortable. She is feeling grownup. We also bought the American Girl book. I read it. I like liked it. It will be helpful in the coming years.

[jlschlangen]

How about a cami w/ the bra part built into it.