Is his body changing and do I need to do anything about it?

[FabIsGettingReadyForChristmas]

DH was playing with our 8 year old today and said his armpits were sweaty. Wasn't expecting any physical changes yet or is it just like when he gets all wet hair from running round the garden?

My DD is 8 and has to use anti perspirant, she sweats and smells.

Really? It seems so young.

I will keep an eye - and nose - on him.

Thanks hohoholepew.

Puberty starts at 8. It seems too young I know!

Oh Gpd, not in my day.

What do I need to know? Does he need a book, do I need one? Haven't been the mother of a child in puberty before.

Don't panic fab! I just meant it's not out of the ordinary , you'll have a few years yet before The Talk.

Unless he asks of course

This is completely normal - it happened to both the DSSs at about this age.

You need to ensure that he learns to wash properly under his arms every day in his bath or shower. This is no mean feat! Most children don't need to wash anything apart from their bottoms and hair very thoroughly until this age - soaking suffices. So he will resist, which is again totally normal.

After getting him to wash properly every day under his arms for about a week, check out how he is doing. This may well suffice for a while - 8 is very young for deodorant.

Thank you.

I asked DH if DS smelt and he said no.

We currently bath or shower them every other day and the little ones some mornings if they were wet in the night. Do I need to shower the 8 year old daily now?

yes, i would because if he is sweating, it will be embarassing if he is at school. Or at least make him wash under his arms daily,but easiest to just chuck him in the shower.

If he is anything like one of mine he sometimes doesnt even get his hair wet in there. Just stands to the side in there then gets out again!

DD has a wash every night, it's on her school shirt I've noticed the smell rather than her IYSWIM?

LOL HugeBaubles - DSS2 (12) is like that - he stands in the shower cubicle getting wet and playing with his face flannel as if it were a ball...

DD (5) drew him a dear little picture of a boy with one arm in the air and the other arm washing under his arm to show him what to do, after DP had had yet another go at him!

DS loves a bath but not so keen on showering himself. His clothes didn't seem wet but he definitely was wet under the arms. Will sort out daily washing. Should be doing it anyway with all of them. So much to do. Can't even remember the last time I read to DS1 or DD.