Dear Jean:
I'm 16 and wear a bra size 32A. My dad always jokes around about the size of my breasts, as well as my mom who is also around an A cup. Even my 14 y.o. brother has started to crack jokes about this when he gets angry at me. At times, this bothers me so much that I cry myself to sleep at night. I mean, isn't it common sense that girls are already self-conscious about their bodies? And now my dad and brother go and do this. I'm not the type of person to confront my dad and tell him this is bothering me. What should I do?

Jean responds:

First, a reality check: some of the most glamorous women on the movie screen and in ordinary life have very small breasts. Small breasts are beautiful.

Next: Try telling your mom about how much your father's and brother's comments hurt your feelings. Your brother is just following the example set by your father. Or you can share this email with your dad/mom. Teasing or making critical remarks about anyone in the family's body parts, shape, looks, etc., is unloving and disrespectful and needs to stop. Adolescent girls are perhaps the most easily hurt in this area, but no one appreciates having part of their body called attention to in a teasing or critical fashion, and it certainly shouldn't be happening in your own family.

Jean.

Disclaimer: Ms. Walbridge's response to your question is intended to be educational and informative. It is not a substitute for face to face consultation or psychotherapy with a mental health professional.

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