Padded training bras?

Ok. I probably shouldn't even get started on the sexualization of our young kids. You know, the thong underwear for 7 year olds and the little kids t-shirts that say, "little hottie", etc.

I know I am sounding like a prudish matron but come on! Padded training bras!?

While at Target to expand our big boy underwear selection, I thought I would kill two birds and pick up some back to school unmentionables for Molly.

How was I to know that the majority of the bras for her age and size were all padded. I had to really search for the good old fashioned, put what you really got into it, regular bra.

At the time, I exchanged some eye ball rolling with a fellow mom of a tween who was doing a similar search but I can't seem to let it move out of my brain pan.

Do our kids need to be little hottie's even before they hit puberty? Who is this for? Is it for them? Or is it for us, the parents? Or, is it just the ugly impersonal maw of consumerism tenderizing their youngest victims? Yes. And it's very icky.

It reminds me of those weird "Little princess" pageants that were all the rage in the 90's. Maybe they still are, I have no idea because I could never find any wisdom in decking out your 4 year old in sequins and eye make-up and teach her to walk in high heels on a stage. Yuck! Who knew there is probably thong underwear and a padded bra underneath the whole outfit.

Again, who do they do it for? The parents, of course but why would they do it? Are these basically stage parents who want to hit a "Hannah Montana-Brittney Spears" jackpot? Highly likely. And, if we are honest with ourselves, how did that work our for old Brittney?

I know, I know. That is a lot of musing brought on by a little girl's padded bra. But, it makes me take a second long look at my own pre-pubescent non-padded daughter. For right now, she is dressed in the middle school uni-sex uniform; baggy basketball shorts and a t-shirt.

How long will that last? I wish it was up to me.