Teens, Body Odor and Deodorant

Middle School means changes, and one of the most significant is the need for deodorant.  But when should parents introduce it?

What You Need to Know

Every child is different and will experience the effects of puberty at varying times and in various ways.  Body odor might be an important conversation for your developing teen. Deodorants cover up the smell of sweat while antiperspirants prevent or dry up the sweat.

How You Can Help

A little background work, a contained conversation and a trip down the personal hygiene aisle should take care of the body odor question easily and smoothly.

1.Gather information. Consult your child’s doctor about recommendations or preferences.  (Some doctors advise against antiperspirants based on the zinc content.) Alternatively, visit a trusted website for advice from doctors.  (www.kidshealth.org is an award winning, jargon free source for direct and clear answers to health concerns.) 

2.Talk to your teen about personal hygiene. The best time to grab your teen’s attention about body odor may be when he or she is sweating after physical exertion.  For example, if you picked your son up from band practice, and his efforts earned him sheen of perspiration, use the opportunity to remind him about showering daily, washing his hair, wearing clean clothes and the need for deodorant. 

3.Visit the store together. When you’re driving your child from activity to event to school and home, detour into a pharmacy or grocery store and drag your teen along to the deodorant aisle.  Let your child browse, review their choice, read the directions aloud and buy the product.  Allowing them the independence to choose their own brand may guarantee he or she will use the deodorant and smell that much more sweetly.

For more information, please see the full article:

www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_When_Should_Kids