Of all the conversations you are going to have with your daughter, you think the one about finding the first bra would be an easy one. It is actually not as easy as it seems. Approaching your daughter about this topic or having your daughter approach you can be a bit difficult. Why? Well mostly because we have to remember her age and her potential for self esteem and body image issues. Then we have to consider that the next words out of our mouths might live with her for the rest of her life.

While researching this topic I came across forums where the discussion was not always about where to find a bra, how old or how big she should be before buying a bra and how to find a bra that fits. Almost all of the discussions turned at one point or another to how a mother made her daughter feel in adolescence. Some felt their mother shrugged off their interest in a bra or perceived necessity of a bra. Others were embarrassed that their mother did not discuss it soon enough before the initial stage of necessity had passed.

So if it weren’t enough that her friends may have breasts or bras or she and other people are finally noticing this visual to the start of puberty, her future sanity hinges on the way mom (or dad) handles this coming of age.

With that said, the first thought that comes to my mind when you get to the topic of the first bra is don’t do all the talking. Ask questions and let her respond. Find out how she feels about it first. Ask questions about where her friends are at this stage. Inquire if her friends are talking about it. If she doesn’t want to talk about it let it go.

Certainly if you notice breast buds between the ages of 8-14, maybe they’re peaking out of her t-shirts, then you might consider purchasing some youth t-shirts for comfort. At this point you could delicately broach the subject that this will help cover her in a discrete manner under some of her clothing until she feels she is ready for a training bra or sports bra. Some manufacturers even have a line of bralettes which would fit in the training bra category in some stores.

The next step hopefully will come from her. She might suggest she is ready and if she is not quite ready for a cup size, a training or sports bra will do. Both come in non-cup sizes for young girls. If she is active in sports though, you might be able to suggest a sports bra for comfort and protection. Some sports bras actually come with removable protective cups so the bra can be worn day to day. Sports bras usually are form-fitting and comfortable.

If your daughter has made it to the next stage in bra shopping, cup sizes, then you’re in for all the excitement that you have trying to find the right fit when you shop for a bra yourself. Leave those frustrations at the door. Decide to make a day of it and if you have never taken the sales lady up on her offer for assistance in fitting a bra I recommend it.

A fitting for both of you will be a nice way to instill in your daughter to do the right things for her body. Bras need a proper fit for support and comfort. The correct fit is important to make sure it conforms properly to her body underneath her cloths. A bra should not be too loose and bulky or too tight and uncomfortable.

Bras come in cup sizes AA to G which are calculated based on the difference between your frame size and bra size. To understand bra size and learn how to take measurements on your own visit My First Bra. This handy guide includes a chart of average chest size by age and the stages of development.

If you are looking for a sports bra with protective cups you can check out Turtle-Shells for a variety of colors to match your daughters sportswear.

This is a precarious time in your daughter’s life, help her to make it one of the best times.