“Hey Mom… is it okay if I pick out a bikini?” My 12-year-old daughter’s voice carried a mix of excitement and nervousness.
As I examined the array of swimsuits on display, my eyes landed on a riot of colors and styles. There were suits made of nylon and spandex, each one more eye-catching than the last. Some were a bit too revealing for my taste, while others felt just plain wild. Back in my day, I wouldn’t have dreamt of wearing anything like that.
Flashbacks of my own childhood flooded my mind—hiding behind oversized T-shirts over one-piece swimsuits, worrying about showing too much skin, and feeling self-conscious about my body. I remember thinking my breasts weren’t big enough and my backside was too ample.
Thankfully, my daughter approaches her body with a confidence I never had. She embraces her changing figure and sees her strength and health as something beautiful. She’s comfortable in her skin, and that’s something to celebrate.
As a talented swimmer, she’s not looking to grab attention; she just wants a suit that matches her love for the water. To her, bikinis are simply “cute and fun.”
The way I perceive a swimsuit will influence how she thinks about it too. If I project negativity, she might carry that with her, shaping her self-image in ways that could linger for years. My words and actions hold power. Supportive messages will help her grow, while critical ones could haunt her forever.
I know that someday, someone—be it a peer, a boy, or even an ad—might try to convince her she needs to feel ashamed of her body. They might say she should hide herself or conform to unrealistic standards. But today isn’t that day, and I refuse to be that voice.
Looking into her eager eyes, I said, “Of course! Let’s find a fun one that you love!”
By the way, if you’re exploring topics around family and pregnancy, you might enjoy our post on home insemination kits. And for those curious about the science behind conception, check out this excellent resource on IUI success.
In summary, supporting my daughter in her choice to wear a bikini is about fostering her sense of self-worth and body positivity. It’s a small step in encouraging her to embrace who she is, free from the societal pressures that can cloud our perceptions.