I received my first bra from Sinterklaas. Though I suspected the truth, bras had a taboo aura back then. It was a plain white Sloggi without padding—a letdown at age 10 when I craved that grown-up feeling. Today, I'd be furious with anything less than a padded bra in vibrant colors or bold prints, now sold at HEMA and De Bijenkorf. 'Everyone at school wears them, Mom!'
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As someone who developed early, that Sinterklaas gift made sense for me. But padded bras for 10-year-olds? What does that tell our daughters—that breasts are essential by that age? That flat chests are inadequate? That nipples must be hidden? Or am I overthinking it?
Sexologist Willeke Bezemer, quoted in the AD, calls this hypersexualization—treating girls as sexual objects, akin to child beauty pageants or thongs. It harms self-image, drawing from my years observing child development as a mother.
Girls compare bodies early; by age 6, dissatisfaction emerges. Does a padded bra exacerbate this or build confidence? As parents, do we indulge it?
Media idols amplify comparisons. My 7-year-old daughter already calls herself 'too fat.' I reassure her: 'I had baby fat until 9, then curves formed. Eat well, stay active.' Every body differs—I emphasize her beauty, talents, and uniqueness to prevent disorders like eating issues, informed by parenting countless milestones.
Thankfully, no push-up bras yet beside heart panties. In 2.5 years, I hear my daughter telling friends: 'Ask for a push-up—mine looks bigger, like Mom's.' At that age, they mimic adults for status.
I'd have loved a stylish padded bra over plain Sloggi, especially if classmates wore them. Short tops made me feel 'the bomb' in group 8. I get the appeal—but at 10, I wouldn't have seen sexual undertones.
As a parent now, I do. No lace, sure, but 10 feels too young; 12 or 13 suits better. More cons than pros for my daughter—no Sinterklaas padded surprise here. That said, they're comfier.
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*Image via Shutterstock
