Mom's at what age would you allow your daughter to wear a bikini?

@NorthernRoses: Personally I find that kind of attitude to be a abdication of parental responsibilities. A bikini is far to showy and exposing for a girl to wear!

@Kathryn05: A bikini isn't considered too showy and exposing at all, unless you live in the US or some other sorta old-fashioned country. It's probably just a culture difference thing!

@NorthernRoses: Well I do live in the US and honestly I can say there is no reason to show that much of a girls thighs and hips or her breasts at 13 or 14!

@Kathryn05: There's nothing sexual about thighs or hips, and the breasts are covered!

@NorthernRoses: Thighs and hips are very sexual as they are not seen in normal dress! No reason to show them to the world a girl should be properly covered up. And I'd hardly call breasts covered in a bikini more like ready to burst out.

And don't get me started on those lowrise bottoms that cover less than half of a girls bottom!

@NorthernRoses: Apparently you have never watched the eyes of guys falling out at the beach. Now you can argue that you don't care if your 14 year old daughter is being mentally ravaged by men -- but don't pretend it is not sexual.

@beckychandler: Very much so! And let me tell you girls of that age know exactly why they are wearing a bikini. No girl puts one on because she finds it pretty or easier to wear than a one piece. She puts it on to attract boys and show off plain and simple. She wears it to flaunt her sexuality.

@Kathryn05: It is a sure fire way to attract the attention of boys - but not necessarily the best sort of attention and not necessarily from the best sort of boys.

@Badseed: Exactly it doesn't often make for the best first impressions

At that age, they may not fully understand the sexual power they have, or possess the maturity to wield it wisely and safely. We don't let them drive a car at that age either, for analogous reasons.

Kathryn, can we chat? (I can't message you unless you message me first.)