Tween daughter with little brothers!
By Jessica Ray
July 2, 2017 9:52am CST
Last week, my 11 year old daughter came downstairs in just a sports bra and her gym shorts. Initially I thought about asking her to throw a tshirt or a tank top on. I mean, she has two little brothers. But then I stopped and thought, maybe this is where I can break the cycle (at least a little bit) of this awful rape culture epidemic. Maybe seeing girls walk around their homes in swimsuit tops or sports bras, takes away a bit of the shock value for my boys when they become tweens themselves. If my sons see this as normal behavior, they'll be less likely to materialize women. Thoughts?
4 people like this
5 responses
@thislittlepennyearns (68246)
• Defuniak Springs, Florida
2 Jul 17
I don't understand why it would be a big deal for her to walk around her house in a sports bra and gym shorts. She's at home, that should be normal. Going out in public like that is what needs to be taught is wrong.
2 people like this
@Genipher (5405)
• United States
5 Jul 17
Guess I'm the odd-man out when it comes to this topic...
I don't understand how dressing modestly has become so taboo. It's almost as if "modest" has become a bad word.
We've, personally, been teaching our kids from the get-go to be modest around each other and strangers. There is no shame in learning to respect our bodies and the bodies of others and we've never thought we were promoting a "rape culture" by teaching our sons and daughters to dress modestly.
I also see an inconsistency with this issue. We're so careful to protect the rights of a woman to dress any way she sees fit but...a man often isn't allowed the same grace.
Women aren't the only ones that are sexualized. So how do we teach girls/women to respect a man's body? In your case, do you think it would be acceptable to have your boys run around in speedos or a sports cup so your daughter can become desensitized to the male body?
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
2 Jul 17
At first the old lady in me was shocked that your daughter did that but then the sensible mother in me spoke up and agreed with you. Children accept what they see as natural. If there is nothing wrong with their sister dressing that way then they won't think it's a big deal when they are old enough to physically react to it.
@aishanee (435)
• Cuttack, India
2 Jul 17
I appreciate your way of thinking.I am sure your kids will grow up to be sensible citizens. Happy parenting!
@Courtlynn (67089)
• United States
2 Jul 17
Absolutely nothing wrong with any female walking around their home in bathing suits or sports bra and shorts.
