Mumsnet users tell Dove how they introduce a self-care routine to teenagers

[EllieMumsnet]

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Before puberty hits, body odour isn't really a thing - ah remember the joy of rarely washing hair, not thinking about the comparative benefits of soap and bodywash, and being utterly ignorant of the verb 'to exfoliate'? - but all too soon that comes to an end. Trying to introduce a self-care routine for the first time to your children can be a tricky subject to navigate, which is why Dove would love to know your experiences and tips for how to have the conversation with your teenagers and how you went about picking products for them e.g. deodorant.

Here’s what Dove has to say: “At Dove we know that you want to give the best support to your teenagers as they go through the emotional, physical and hormonal changes of puberty. It can be a sensitive time and your relationship with them goes through changes too. They still need their parents’ care – just a different kind of care to when they were younger, one that spans both practical help and emotional support. We are interested in hearing how you approach conversations about introducing a self-care routine with your teenagers, especially when it comes to deodorants and body odour.”

Did you have conversations with your DC as and when body and hormonal changes were occuring? Perhaps you did a lot of research into trying to find the right products for your child to use? If you found any great products, such as the perfect deodorant, please do share them! What age was your child when you first started to have conversations about self-care with them? How did you bring it up?

However you introduced a self-care routine to your DC and whatever products you bought/used, share them on the thread below and you’ll be entered into a prize draw where one winner will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

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We have to encourage them? I must have been very lucky then as both my children automatically looked after their teen hygiene very well. They have always been encouraged to wash every day, brush teeth and launder their clothes and as they hit the pre teens/teens they just slid right into the deodorant, skin care routine too. Key is to teach them early I think

Also don't think this needs to be a "big" conversation, they have seen what type of products their parents use growing up and can try a few of their own until they find one they like best

No big conversations were necessary. I suppose I'm lucky to have two daughters and no partner so it's an all girls house and they just followed on from my example with free access to all the products already in the bathroom. Now and again I encouraged with little gifts of school bag size deodorants/body sprays or pretty tins to carry sanitary pads but that was all that was needed. We've always been very open though so might not work for everyone.

Honesty is the best policy, tell them exactly they will stink if they do not keep certain areas clean. Also see them change and take more care with personal hygine once they take an interest in the opposite sex, or of course the same sex if that is what they like.

I kept an eye/nose on my daughter and when she showed signs of needing self care items I took her on a special shopping trip so she could choose the ones she liked with the idea that she would then be more inclined to use them. It seems to have worked as I don't have to remind her to put her deodorant on, wash her face etc :)

both my elder two started asking for deodorant and smellies from around age 10 , they were both pretty good . They had always been good at washing themselves and brushing their teeth from quite young so it just progressed. My youngest is 5 and still needs help but always has a go first at washing, and brushing her teeth

Watching with interest

Teenagers are at a hormonal stage I their lives therefore their body's at changing and spots are appearing, all teenages constantly touch their face with germs on their hands, additionally i was stuck on a bus with teenagers and it stunk of sweat due to rubbish deodorant or none at all a couple had sweat patches.

Having been through it once I have to agree that it is a gradual thing rather than something that just suddenly happens.Since they have been little I have let them smell toiletries in the shop and help choose which bubble bath etc they wanted.
Then when my eldest hit the pre teens she progressed to wanting some of the products her friends were using and luckily if you email a lot of companies they do tend to send out little testers which are fantastic for this stage and let her try ones that were maybe more expensive than I'd have bought for trying.
I think if routines have been encouraged and also choice for products then it's pretty much plain sailing... well it was with DD1 but it might be different with DS1

My son is 11 and I have encouraged him to use deodorant for about a year now if not more, although if it were up to him he would just live in a slobbering mess on the sofa for all eternity!

DD is 10 and hitting puberty. As soon as I smelled BO I bought her a Dove deodorant. When spots erupted I bought Simple cleansers.

She uses facial wipes every day to help with the spots.

Showering and teeth are a nightmare though. She still doesn’t want to do either! So I’m trying to find some thing to encourage her to remember and want to do this.

Start young and build in good habits gradually!

My pre teen son will use a face wash a few times a week and knows I'm happy to buy him products as and when he needs them.

He has his own drawer in the bathroom and uses anti-perspirant after a shower.

He exercises a lot and knows he has to shower afterwards but we also encourage him to shower in the mornings 'to wake himself up'

I think talking through the routines and the 'whys' of the importance of good hygiene works well. Framing it in terms that he'll understand such as puberty changes, friends etc is important too.

Fingers crossed that the willingness lasts and that I don't end up with an unwashed, smelly teenager!

I remind DS 11 to use deodorant and shower regularly, hoping it will become a habit!

I bought DS a Bionsen deodorant as it doesn't have so many of the nasties in, like aluminium. It worked well initially but as he got older it just didn't do the trick! He now uses one with all of the full strength anti-perspirant ingredients in. However, I'd use Bionsen again with my younger kids when they need a deodorant, as I found it effective on younger teens / pre teens and at least delays the age that they need a full strength one.

I have spoken with my 11 year old about the changes that his body will go through in the next few years, and to come to me or his father if he is unsure or something is bothering him about his body. He already has a routine around showering and teeth brushing, so I have introduced a mild deodorant into his daily routine, which he was pleased with as he felt grown up. I will introduce a facial wash if I see signs of acne, and when facial hair appears, a razer and shaving gel - I know this is a few years down the line, but a gradual introduction of products, to aid a good daily hygiene and personal appearance regime will stick with him to and beyond adulthood.

This has not been tricky at all - perhaps because I have three DDs, all of whom quite enjoy pampering themselves. They all enjoy browsing at toiletries, often touting ideas for what to buy, and forever trying to persuade me to buy very expensive facepacks and other stuff. Beyond the basics - washing regularly, deodorant - we have not really had to do much. The result? Our bathroom is often occupied by one or other doing whatever they do for a very long time!

It's a thing that will be instilled over time! it's always important to take care of yourself x

I have boys and getting them into a daily routine works best. They shower as soon as they get home from school/sport. Then a face wipe. Face wipes have been a godsend and my boys actually use them as it is a quick and easy process. It's having to remind them to put deodorant on every single day that drives me mad!

By discussing it and also introducing things early. Making sure that they are aware of other people's routines and showing by example

I have no idea, so I am looking forward to reading other views here.

Getting in a basic routine from a young age and then adding to the routine as they grow up and become more independent so that it all comes as second nature.

Initially, our childs teacher pointed out to the class of 11 year olds that the class was getting a bit whiffy after PE. My child came home saying all children were to start taking in deodorant. It opened up a conversation about teenage hygiene. We then went shopping and I showed them the best deodorants, from those my child picked the best smelling one (to them)

i've already started to try and get my 10 year old into a bit of a routine, he also enjoys trying out new smellies/products :)

Just explained to my DS when I noticed that he was getting sweaty from rugby that he needed to use a deoderant and wash properly. Being mad keen on science he knows about biology, so he gets it! Also, he was pleased to be using Lynx like his dad.

My daughter is starting to reach the age where she needs nore persinal care and we have tried to introduce things gradually rather than having to have a big chat. She has chosen her own body wash/soap and shampoo so she feels she has some choice over it and we are encouraging more regular showering.