As your teen enters puberty, changes in their personal hygiene needs need to be discussed. It can be an awkward and challenging conversation to have, particularly if they find the subject embarrassing. However, it is necessary to their health and self-esteem they receive the information.
Double Checking Your Information
Before you approach your teen with the subject, it is a good idea to go online and research the subject. The things we learned about the subject when we were their age may be out of date or just wrong. Just be sure to enter these kinds of talks with facts.
Broaching the Subject
Bringing the subject of hygiene up with your teen is tricky. If at all possible, you should start having these talks before puberty. It will give your teen more time to prepare mentally for the coming changes. It will also give you a chance to set up some essential habits before the natural stubbornness of the teens sets in.
If it is possible, it’s easier for your teen to have these conversations with a parent of the same sex. This is especially true for young ladies when you discuss menstruation, menstruation products and hygiene.
Hygiene Products
Have your teen help you make a list of the products they’re going to need for their personal hygiene. Take your teen shopping with you to get the products. Discuss the differences in the products and help them choose. Have them choose scents and products they like. They are more likely to use a product when they had a hand in choosing it and it is a scent they find pleasing.
Help them Set Up Appointments
We often forget that teens may need help when it comes to scheduling—they are probably used to you making all of their appointments for the dentist, haircuts, etc. If you give them information on who to call and when to make appointments, they can start doing these things on their own. One important part of teen hygiene is oral hygiene and the late adolescent years will most likely require your child to have their wisdom teeth out.
According to professionals who conduct wisdom teeth research in Salt Lake City, teens sometimes experience their wisdom teeth growing in early. It is important to have your dentist frequently check for this. The Salt Like city professionals have treated plenty of young teens during their Salt Lake City free wisdom teeth removal clinical trials.
Making Hygiene a Routine
Help your teen work hygiene into their schedule. Frequently, a teen’s excuse for not doing basic hygiene is, “I didn’t have time.” Help them write out a schedule of their daily activities and plan out where their hygiene routine will fit in. This will help them set up a routine while letting them have some control over their daily lives.
Most importantly, let your teen know these changes are normal – everyone goes through them. Also understand your teen is going through emotional changes at the same time as physical changes. Avoid any expression or comment that can be seen as negative or shaming. Let your teen know if they have questions, they can come to you.
Dixie is a full-time mother and part-time freelance writer and blogger. She has written for many niches, including home, family, finance, and health. She lives in Arizona with her three girls 8, 12 and 14 and husband. Dixie is also the author of Four Ways to Help You Better Understanding Your Teenager.
