Pix of my chest when I was early teens

[SideSet]

Can you see why PE was difficult for me?

[blad]

Looking a bit provocative there without a bra on for modesty.

[Johndoe1]

Nice looking top.

[SideSet]

It was around that time I was beginning to get constant teasing that I needed to wear a bra. 

I really liked that top, but learned the hard way, that braless as I was, it was too provocative, leading to a lot of comments and unwanted touching. 

[curiousk]

Looks familiar.   My breasts were about that size at about age 12.   I was constantly being told to wear a bra and t shirts I worn were oversized to compensate.   While it would have been embarrassing, a bra would have been a better solution than wearing oversized shirts.  

[SideSet]

Seems like a number of us had had similar experiences growing up.

[blad]

Looks familiar.  My breasts were about that size at about age 12.  I was constantly being told to wear a bra and t shirts I worn were oversized to compensate.  While it would have been embarrassing, a bra would have been a better solution than wearing oversized shirts. 

I was painfully aware in school that I should be wearing a bra full time and was accepting to do so, but felt very constrained for obvious reasons. I recognized that a bra was a simple and appropriate garment for my needs, but without some sort of guidance from home or the school it seemed I was destined to put up with the sensation of unsupported breasts for some time.

It is ironic that once you realize you should wear a bra and have accepted that, the reality of fitting in is still a barrier. I could have used "the bra talk" at home that aboywithgirls often refers to.

[aboywithgirls]

Blad,

I am so sorry that you didn't have the support that you truly wanted and needed. I am talking about both from a bra and your mother. I'll bet that she knew that you would benefit from a bra, but, didn't know how to approach you about it. 

I think that my mother knew that I was destined for womanhood and she knew that I would accept the fact that I needed a bra. 

I'm happy that you have accepted and enjoy your breasts and your bras.

Sophie ❤️ 

[Orb]

Side Set, I see what you mean.  It was a nice shirt however I can see you how you would have had a problem from the boys.  Sorry.  I was teased and mostly called fats.  I think better than being groped and teased.

  I feel it takes the right mother to have the bra talk with her son.  I would think today it would be easier than it would have been 40 - 50 years ago.  I would have to say my mother knew I was a bit "softer" as well but...Why wasn't I more like my brother?

[SideSet]

Thank you for your support here and now. I, like many of us here now could have used such support back then. 

I think that picture was from around when I first realized I was developing breasts. Of course, they had already been growing for some time, but amazingly enough, I had been oblivious.

[blad]

Blad,

I am so sorry that you didn't have the support that you truly wanted and needed. I am talking about both from a bra and your mother. I'll bet that she knew that you would benefit from a bra, but, didn't know how to approach you about it.

I think that my mother knew that I was destined for womanhood and she knew that I would accept the fact that I needed a bra.

I'm happy that you have accepted and enjoy your breasts and your bras.

Sophie ❤️

Yes, as I may have stated at some point, my mother was definitely aware of my breast development. She had me see a medical specialist to examine my breasts and I was actually in the children's hospital for about three days as they did various tests and took pictures of my breasts. So she definitely was aware. But the topic of a bra was never brought up, even though there is a possibility she may have been aware that I was wearing some of my sister's bras when at home. It would definitely have been a bit easier if it was more in the open at least at home, but I guess we were both too embarrassed to talk about it. 

Kids with teen breast development could literally use some support on this issue.

[benusa]

Wow. You already looked well developed in that photo. That realization must have been very difficult for you. I’m sure you could swap some war stories. 

[SideSet]

It was embarrassing. I heard comments all the time and regularly got felt up, my nipples pulled. Made to expose my breasts in PE. 

[gotgyne]

It was embarrassing. I heard comments all the time and regularly got felt up, my nipples pulled. Made to expose my breasts in PE.

Yes, other kids can be cruel. But the behavior of your mother and her jokes on your gyne were imho much worse.

[gotgyne]

Look at this article on the gynecomastia of a 13 year old boy.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338174135_Combined_surgical_and_medical_treatment_in_an_adolescent_with_severe_gynecomastia_due_to_excessive_estradiol_secretion_a_case_report

He developed nice breasts many women would be proud of. But the problem of our society is that it is "not normal" for a boy to have breasts. Maybe this forum can help to change the view on this topic. Don't misunderstand me, it is invaluable that there are very skilled surgeons with much experience in this field. But I think we would need both approaches. These boys who never will accept gynecomastia may underwent surgery, but only with trained physicians. But the other ones should get so much support (no pun intended) as possible.