I got the evil eye this morning

[The empressof all]

I happened to catch my normally modest 14 year old bending over the counter. Her shirt was rather skimpy so I told her her boobies were hanging out. She whipped around and with a remarkable resemblance to Linda Blair in the Exorcist told my husband and I "You guys are just so mature" She then ran to her room and changed her shirt without further discussion.

I'm so happy that I have an "easier to raise" teen-ager.

[Chalco]

1. Yes, it does tend to happen when you least expect it n/t

[phylny]

2. Maybe because you said

her "boobies" were hanging out.

TELL me you used different words!

If not, and since you said it in front of dad, she was probably horrifically embarrassed - at least it sounds like she was.

With our three daughters, we use a different approach. First of all, we don't call their breasts tits, boobs, boobies, or funbags - you get the idea. They're breasts. Secondly, if they need a wardrobe adjustment, I simply say something gentle such as, "Are you going to have trouble at school wearing that shirt?" They get the message without being embarrassed. Thirdly, I make sure that I DON'T say things in front of their dad that would make them feel uncomfortable.

So, if she had been my daughter was bending over, and SINCE she is usually modest, I probably would quietly say, "I don't know if you realize it, but when you bend down, I can see your breasts. You might want to change that shirt. Just telling you."