At the end of my tether with 10 years old DD....

[babyiwantabump]

Just don't know what to do now. Had enough. I give up . The constant battles and arguments are pushing me over the edge!

I only want her to have a sodding bath or wash and clean her teeth! You'd think I was trying to get her to dip into a bath of acid the way she reacts!

And she smells now too- has to use deodorant or she gets very sweaty and smelly very quickly so you think she would want to bath everyday but nope!

Her hair was discusting this morning.
Any one have any ideas? How can I get her to be clean!

Can you take her for a day out. Shop for new clothes, toiletries etc. Nice café with coffee and cake. let her pick what to buy (give her a budget) and chat about what works and doesn't work for you and what she might like to try out?

Step back a bit and give her a chance to start opening up and listen to her without preaching. The whole growing up/ puberty thing is scary and some kids are just in denial.

this is useful, I think

I told my DD(11) that she smelt the other day, to which she replied crossly "why is it only you and dad who ever say I smell?". I told her that's because everyone else is too polite! I don't think she believed me but I have found shoving her nose in the armpit of the shirt she's been wearing has some effect

LOL at greasy cats

I thought it was only me with a 10yr old like this.

The amount of time / energy wasted complaining about having to brush teeth (for example) & then faking brushing them - she would just be easier actually brushing them!

No teeth brushing equals no sweet treats in our house. It's a cause and effect thing.