Parents, got a tweener in the house? Then you might have to start preparing for the challenges of puberty in a way that will not embarrass your kids. You don't want them resenting you, especially not when they are entering their teenage years.
Puberty is a time when tweeners go through different body changes. But because tweens are still children at heart, they might not even care about the effects these changes have on them, such as worsening body odors. So, how must a parent approach the subject and talk to their tween about smelly armpits?
Parents have to prepare to make adjustments and anticipate that tweeners might not have any interest in discussing this or doing what is told -- such as showering every morning or applying deodorant. Letting them get used to hygiene routines will take months, with some constant reminders or maybe even nagging, but this consistency and persistency is what the tweens need.
How often do you hear "I smell fine"? Remind tweens and teens that even though the body odor may not bother them, it is not going unnoticed.
— Dr. Jennifer Shu (@DrJenniferShu) July 28, 2011
Body Odor In Kids: No Shaming, Please
According to psychologist Erik Fisher, using "shame, guilt, humiliation or embarrassment," should be avoided at all cost, but honesty in communicating with the tween is important, per CNN. It would be good for parents to encourage their tween to use hygiene and grooming products, while underscoring what the stuff is for.
It might even help to discuss the science of their changing bodies. Fisher actually told his daughter that smelly armpits mean there's bacteria poop. It got her to realize she needs to clean the poop out.
Body Odor In Kids: It's Part Of Growing Up
Pediatrician Dr. Carol Wilkinson agrees that having the talk about hygiene and body odors is important, per Cafe Mom. She advises parents to give tweens products that are simple to use and formulated with mild ingredients. If they are using a strong deodorant, its scent can be worse and more off-putting. If they are using antiperspirants, it might end up irritating their skin. They might not actually like applying deodorants because of these results.
Baby Center cites that tweens should be able to understand that stinking is part of the changes in their body and that every other person goes through this. It's a normal process, but the tweens must be aware they have to take care of this every day because it is "the grown-up thing to do."
