Young at heart, keen as mustard, bold as bras
This week Miss Four announced that she wanted "boobs".
"Awww," she moaned when the difference between nipples and breasts was explained to her.
Because, up until now, she thought she had boobs.
"One day, when you are older, you will have boobs," I pacified her.
And
with that she dropped the subject, happy to wait until puberty.
The thing is, she didn't really want them at all. She just wanted to be like her mum.
Similarly, my best friend at primary school, Emma P, and I used to stuff socks down our tops and pretend to be "grown-ups".
But we never did it to be sexy and we certainly would never have left the house like that.
It was just make-believe.
Because the concept of being sexy was beyond us at that age.
And that's how it should be.
So why did Bonds underwear introduce a "bralette" for girls as young as 6?
To meet a "consumer need of modesty, coverage and confidence", Australia's Herald Sun reported the company as saying. In other words, to make money.
Thankfully we won't be seeing them on children's clothing racks on our shores anytime soon.
After public outrage in Australia, where they were launched, they were removed from sale.
And Bonds New Zealand has given the assurance that they will not be sold here.
But the fact someone thought to make them in the first place is disturbing.
Raising two daughters in a society that is becoming increasingly sexualised, if you'll excuse the pun, scares the pants off me.
Childhood is such a precious time and I want them to enjoy it as nature intended - as children.
Which is why when it comes to clothing and accessories there are some items I avoid.
Broderie anglaise - fine. Black nylon lace - not.
Mini skirts and leggings - dinky. Mini skirts and bare legs - not.
Ballet pumps - pretty. High heels - not.
Face painting - cute. Lipstick - not.
And bras? Until you have the boobs to fill them, there's only one place for them - the dress-up box.
