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could any one give me any advice how to make my teenage daughter how to take care of her personal hygene she just dos,nt care how bad she smells its so embarrsing we r all so ashamed of her why is she doing this please help

Jayne - posted on 07/15/2012 ( 4 moms have responded )

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Marsha - posted on 07/20/2012

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I think this is more common with boys than with girls. I went through it with my son when he was younger. We tried talking, pointing out what others said, arguing, taking away items/privileges and buying extra hygiene items. and we had him to make a checklist of things to do every day and included hygiene on it. I think it was more of a phase and he got through it. Cherish pointed out that peers will get to them about the problem. That is true for some kids but if you have one like mine that could care less about what his peers said you just have to work with them. Positive reinforcement and make sure they are on a schedule. Also monitor the hygiene items they have. Just because they are in the bathroom for a while and come out wet etc does not mean they actually "used" the soap, deodorant or toothpaste etc. You didn't mention how old she is but mine got out of that phase and swung the other way by 15 and began to live in the shower and constantly tried to kill us with over spraying of axe and other colognes in his quest to be fresh. It will get better.

Jayne - posted on 07/15/2012

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yhanks for taking the time to give me the advice that i needed about my teenage daughter it all helps to encourge her once again thanks :)

Cherish - posted on 07/15/2012

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Hi,
It is VERY common for teens to "slack" with their hygiene...It IS embarrassing,especially when they are in school or in public and people look at you like you are a big jerk...lol

If she knows how to take care of herself,I would NOT make a issue out of it,as long as she is not depressed,because, it turns into a power struggle...
Maybe you can take her to the store and let her pick out some stuff,like shampoo and body spray...
You could try positive reinforcement,like when she takes a shower and brushes her hair,give her praise like "you look nice",or maybe take her somewhere and say something like "It makes me proud when you take care of yourself,lets go to the mall/movie(or whatever)"
I know it is hard but try to ignore it when she does not shower,just give her positive reinforcement when she does.

Eventually her peers will give her a hard time about it(kids are so mean!).I am a big fan of natural consequences,a natural consequence for smelling like a donkey is people will stare and talk smack and give her a hard time,then hopefully she will "get it".

Laura - posted on 07/15/2012

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I really don't have experience with this one myself but I am wondering does this have an affect on her social life? it sounds like self esteem issues perhaps. You should just set goals and make a check list for her and if she does not do it take away things like cell phone or computer, etc.
Having good hygeine is important in the world so she needs to learn it. She won't be able to get a job if she goes to interviews all unkempt. Hope this helps.

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