Last month, as my daughter and I browsed through the aisles at Target, we stumbled upon a display of bathing suits. More specifically, two-piece suits. My daughter, an avid swimmer, turned to me and exclaimed that she needed a new one. “My old bathing suit doesn’t fit right anymore,” she complained. “It’s so uncomfortable, and… I want my belly to show!” She declared, “All my friends have belly shows!” with her best puppy eyes.
I paused. Was she ready? Was I? My daughter had previously worn tankinis, which barely revealed her belly. But these bikinis felt different—more grown-up and sophisticated. Yet, as I examined the suits, I realized they were just playful kids’ bathing suits adorned with rainbows and unicorns. My initial hesitation stemmed from my own insecurities and societal pressures about femininity which I had internalized. The truth is, there’s nothing inappropriate about a child wearing a bikini; it’s a natural choice. In fact, many bikinis are no more revealing than a gymnast’s outfit.
Bikinis have long been a contentious topic. Back in the 1950s, they were banned from beauty pageants due to being perceived as too provocative. Countries like Spain and Italy even deemed them immoral. Today, those who wear bikinis are often unfairly labeled as seeking attention.
So, why did I decide to let my seven-year-old wear a bikini? Because denying her would suggest that her body is something to be ashamed of. I want her to feel confident, bold, and empowered. I believe it’s her body, her choice. When she wears a bikini, she feels good about herself, and I want her to embrace her identity and love her body.
Moreover, two-piece suits fit her better than one-pieces, which tend to bunch up on her slender frame. They also make bathroom trips a breeze—a practical consideration for any parent.
Of course, some may argue that I’m sexualizing my child or pushing her to grow up too quickly. But if you find a child’s outfit erotic, the problem lies with you. My daughter doesn’t wear a bikini to attract attention; she simply wants to have fun and enjoy the sunshine.
So, let’s stop the judgment aimed at my daughter and me for embracing comfort and confidence. She’s just a child, reveling in her youth, and I’m committed to fostering that spirit.
For more insights on parenting and body positivity, check out this other blog post and for authoritative information, you can visit this site. Additionally, for those seeking pregnancy resources, March of Dimes offers excellent guidance.
Summary
Allowing my daughter to wear a bikini is about empowering her to feel confident in her body. It’s essential to support her choices without imposing societal judgments that deem certain clothing inappropriate. Children should be free to enjoy their youth and embrace their identity without shame.