Anonymous wrote:Why would an 8 or 9 year old girl need a bra?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I understand why you're posting this and asking, but honestly, at 8/9 I'd follow his lead, ask him what he wants to wear to sleep at camp, and provide what he asks for. Yes, that might lead to the same scenario as your daughter with the bra but:
1) Kids being embarrassed about their own choices isn't exactly terrible. Hard to get through adolescence without having at least one of those moments (particularly as far as clothes). It's super low stakes and character building.
2) I think you're sending the wrong message - "I've found out what other kids wear so that you won't be embarrassed, here it is" rather than "wear what you want and if other people don't like it, shrug." I know you're not going to say that, but your actions do.
I understand kids want to fit in and avoid embarrassment, and I don't begrudge them that, but I'm not taking that goal on for myself.
Or worse, teaching them that goal is a worthy one.
Op - I agree, but he has mentioned several times being concerned about “fitting in” and he doesn’t have any older boy role models who would give him advice on this. I wouldn’t do any of this on my own, and I’m not actually going to tell him about any of this but I think I might just slip a few pairs of boxer briefs into his bag so he has the option if he wants them. For the sleeping I’m more wondering if sleeping without a shirt is a normal and acceptable thing at this age or if I need to talk with him about considering wearing a shirt to bed. And if matching pj sets aren’t really a thing I’ll pack a pack of Hanes white t-shirts.
PP here. My response to "I'm concerned I won't fit it" isn't "let me make sure you have the right clothes" it's "you're an awesome kid, and I'm sure the other kids will see that. And if they don't, you'll be okay! Look out for other kids who also don't seem to be fitting in - often they make the best friends."
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I understand why you're posting this and asking, but honestly, at 8/9 I'd follow his lead, ask him what he wants to wear to sleep at camp, and provide what he asks for. Yes, that might lead to the same scenario as your daughter with the bra but:
1) Kids being embarrassed about their own choices isn't exactly terrible. Hard to get through adolescence without having at least one of those moments (particularly as far as clothes). It's super low stakes and character building.
2) I think you're sending the wrong message - "I've found out what other kids wear so that you won't be embarrassed, here it is" rather than "wear what you want and if other people don't like it, shrug." I know you're not going to say that, but your actions do.
I understand kids want to fit in and avoid embarrassment, and I don't begrudge them that, but I'm not taking that goal on for myself.
Or worse, teaching them that goal is a worthy one.
Op - I agree, but he has mentioned several times being concerned about “fitting in” and he doesn’t have any older boy role models who would give him advice on this. I wouldn’t do any of this on my own, and I’m not actually going to tell him about any of this but I think I might just slip a few pairs of boxer briefs into his bag so he has the option if he wants them. For the sleeping I’m more wondering if sleeping without a shirt is a normal and acceptable thing at this age or if I need to talk with him about considering wearing a shirt to bed. And if matching pj sets aren’t really a thing I’ll pack a pack of Hanes white t-shirts.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I understand why you're posting this and asking, but honestly, at 8/9 I'd follow his lead, ask him what he wants to wear to sleep at camp, and provide what he asks for. Yes, that might lead to the same scenario as your daughter with the bra but:
1) Kids being embarrassed about their own choices isn't exactly terrible. Hard to get through adolescence without having at least one of those moments (particularly as far as clothes). It's super low stakes and character building.
2) I think you're sending the wrong message - "I've found out what other kids wear so that you won't be embarrassed, here it is" rather than "wear what you want and if other people don't like it, shrug." I know you're not going to say that, but your actions do.
I understand kids want to fit in and avoid embarrassment, and I don't begrudge them that, but I'm not taking that goal on for myself.
Or worse, teaching them that goal is a worthy one.
Anonymous wrote:I understand why you're posting this and asking, but honestly, at 8/9 I'd follow his lead, ask him what he wants to wear to sleep at camp, and provide what he asks for. Yes, that might lead to the same scenario as your daughter with the bra but:
1) Kids being embarrassed about their own choices isn't exactly terrible. Hard to get through adolescence without having at least one of those moments (particularly as far as clothes). It's super low stakes and character building.
2) I think you're sending the wrong message - "I've found out what other kids wear so that you won't be embarrassed, here it is" rather than "wear what you want and if other people don't like it, shrug." I know you're not going to say that, but your actions do.
I understand kids want to fit in and avoid embarrassment, and I don't begrudge them that, but I'm not taking that goal on for myself.
Anonymous wrote:My 8 year old still wears briefs like themed ones like Minecraft, Star Wars, etc. Is that too babyish at this age? He seems to like them but maybe we'll try boxer briefs soon. He's heading to sleep away camp next summer so none of this crossed my mind!