So I'm 12 and I'll be 13 soon. I'm getting breast buds and I really need a bra, even a training bra is fine. I'm the only one in my grade who doesn't own a bra. It has come up in conversation once, when she got me some new clothes. She asked me if I thought I needed a bra, jokingly, so I didn't answer. She recently bought me a sports bra only because I run, but it's only for running. I'm in athletics at my middle school, so I have to change in the locker room every day. It's very awkward because I'm the only one wearing a tank top. How can I tell her? I can't speak to her straight out because she will laugh and tell me I'm too young, which she told me the time it came up in conversation. Help!

She has already asked you if you thought you needed one, so tell her you do. Your mom is not blind and I'm sure she is not insensitive.
Just go to her and tell her you need one.

Why would you think your mom would laugh at you over something like that? Remember she went through it herself. Just say; remember when you asked if I thought I needed one. Well I do.

But have you talked to every girl in your grade? Seen them all change? Don't think you are the only one.

But really I can't understand being afraid to talk to your mom about this.

She's your mom, you're supposed to tell her things you need. Just ask, and if you feel uncomfortable for some reason just ask her for money and get one yourself.

Most likely she was not joking, but she did not know exactly how to ask either.

You go and say, mom, you asked about bra before, I think I need one now.

She was probably laughing/joking so she wouldn't embarrass you, by making a big deal out of it.

That she has already bought you a sports bra, means she does see that you will likely need bras, sooner rather than later.

If it is a hard subject for you to bring up, try leaving her a note asking if the two of you could go shopping for a bra on the weekend sometime.

I'd bet money that she'd be happy to do so.