If you’re a parent of a pre-teen, you’ve probably struggled with the hygiene issue.  Now that he’s too old to be dumped by you into the tub, you may find that his personal care has suffered.  Maybe a little, maybe a lot.

Some kids of this age just don’t place as a high a value on cleanliness as most adults do.  Not showering or using deodorant may be a way of exerting some independence.  Simply, it just isn’t a priority.

Remind yourself that if you want to have influence over the important issues that really matter, it’s important to not lose your head over the smaller issues.  Making a request will generally get you a better response than insisting, demanding or embarrassing – try using a phrase such as, “I feel uncomfortable when I smell body odour.  Would you be willing to have a shower?” or “I’m not comfortable leaving the house with you when you look as though you haven’t brushed your hair yet today” to express how you feel without coming down too heavy.

And if all else fails, remember this: as soon as your pre-teen becomes more interested in romance, this will cease to be an issue.  In fact, you may find your water bill going through the roof.