Good Hygiene Habits for Tweens
Encourage a Healthy Adolescent Lifestyle
Tweens are bustling and moving all around. Sometimes they don't take the time out to practice good hygiene. Teach them how to do it with these tips.
When you think of your tween, you probably think about how much he is growing and changing. Change happens very rapidly at this age and with that change comes the need for improved hygiene habits. Your tween may know that he needs a shower or needs to brush his teeth, but he may forget or just not want to take the time to do it properly. You need to make sure that your child understands the importance of good hygiene habits. Here are some of the worst offenders.
Body Odor: At this age, your tween's body is changing. Some are going into puberty and this can cause noxious body odor. Even if your tween showers every day, it is still not enough sometimes. You need to make sure that your tween is not only showering each and every day, but also actually using a good deodorant soap and good shampoo. How many times has your tween stepped out of the shower smelling like a wet dog? Probably more times than you can count! Have you ever stepped into a 5th grade classroom after recess or physical ed class? No wonder teachers love candles! Deodorant is also a must-have as your tween gets older (usually around 10 or so, but this can vary). Clean socks and clean clothes can also help your tween smell better, too.
Teeth: Brushing the teeth is always a struggle at this age. Your child may go in the bathroom and come out a mere 30 seconds later to declare that he has brushed. Have you ever checked? Is the toothbrush still dry? Can they use a tube of toothpaste forever? Children at this age should know that good oral hygiene is just as important as taking a shower. This is especially true if your child has braces. Invest in a toothpaste they will use and a good timed toothbrush, such as a SoniCare toothbrush that stay on for a full two minutes.
Skin Care: Yes, skin care is more than just taking a shower once a day. As puberty hits, the pimples start popping up all over. Show your child how to wash his face with a good facial cleanser such as Noxzema Acne or Neutrogena Deep Clean. If they do get pimples and blackheads, show them how to care for them properly. Never teach your tween to pinch, pick, or poke at them because it can cause lasting scars.
Nails and Hair: Most kids at this age do not care a bit about trimming nails or brushing hair. You need to make sure that you point this out to your tween. They are at the age where they should be able to keep their nails cleaned and trimmed and their hair combed by themselves. Get good products such as a nail scrubber and put in their bathroom to use on a daily basis.
These simple steps towards good hygiene will save your child from embarrassing moments in front of his peers, as well as making lasting habits that he will continue for the rest of his life.
Find out more about Parenting Tweens on Suite101.
