In many families and tweens, maturing quickly sneaks up on them. What best way to tell your preteen or teen they stink without putting them down? Caitlin Long, a certified holistic sex education, said to avoid embarrassment, your child should have the conversation privately about the fact they don’t smell so fresh.
Even though each family’s conversation will look different, she believes it should begin with honesty. Do not make assumptions, but rather ask questions and show curiosity. It may be uncomfortable, but that’s okay.
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“If a child feels called out in a way that makes them feel like it is about them as a person, that is a problem. The perception that they are rotten or anything wrong with their body can lead to shutting down, negatively impacting their self-esteem, relationship to their body, and relationship to you.”
Building safe and open communication between parents and children is possible here. Long says that parents or caregivers can help their children understand that bodies sometimes smell to signal a need if they frame the conversation in a way that lets them know that bodies sometimes smell.
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Dr. Hina Talib, an associate professor of pediatrics, believes that sticking to the facts is the best way to address the issue. She notes that teens and tweens are usually self-conscious about their bodies. Talib says teens shouldn’t feel wrong about the changes in their bodies, which are natural.
It can also be helpful to share books, websites, or YouTube videos discussing hygiene, whether regular baths with soap and shampoo, clean clothes, or deodorant. Assuming good hygiene is an expectation before issues arise simplifies the process. Consult your child’s pediatrician when coming up with a hygiene plan. Making decisions with your child is also essential.