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

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

My children aren't at that age yet but I like to make them aware of self care now and tell them that they will do the same as they get older

My daughter is 8 and already starting to develop. We think puberty is just around the corner she already has a roll on deodorant which we have got her into the habit of using every day. I've spoken to her about period and what they are and I've made her a special box which she keeps in her bedroom with hot water bottle, sanitary towels, hand sanitiser, a special 'grown up' shower gel and some chocolate. I hope she will know she can talk to me about anything but she knows if she needs anything from the box she doesn't have to ask

My DD loves lush products because they have such amazing products that glitter, sparkle and explode in the bath. Bath/shower time is never boring with these products. Always gets them for birthdays and christmas. I always let her choose her own deorants etc

It has to be a gradual thing. Encouraging them from a young age to take care of their appearance and introducing some independence with self care is bound to make the transition to puberty easier.

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told them the basics of keeping clean purchased deodorant etc, any questions they know to ask

My DD is only 9 and has been into puberty for a year now so we've had these conversations from an early age.

She no longer argues about showering and hair washing but will need to start upping it to every day quite soon I think.

However she is terrible at brushing teeth and needs constant reminders.

Plus she already has acne but also needs reminders to wash her face properly.

Acne products are a no as they are too harsh for her skin at the moment.

I really feel for her and try to gently encourage her and give positive reinforcement

It's a gradual process as puberty slowly kicks in we've had to introduce skincare and a change of shampoo. They pick up on what their friends are doing too. No need for deodorant yet and I haven't worked out which would be best to try first.

Didn't have conversations as such - just gentle persuasion and letting DD choose some nice products. Didn't really research products - just tried a variety to see what DD liked and what suited her skin. DD went through puberty quite young about 8 or 9 so started encouraging her around then.

I'm not at that stage yet but I hope that if I instill this in them young enough it will carry through to the teenage years

We did not have any big discussion or anything, we just buy them toiletries, and they are all generally fine at keeping themselves clean. What teenager wants to smell or have greasy hair! They all like to look good. On any occasion older DS 'forgets' we remind him he stinks and to get a shower

Not needed to re showers as my boys are sporty so shower twice a day usually. They are really good re cleaning teeth too and using deodorant.

online learning

Sniff the arm pits of their sch shirts.
Then tell them to use more antiperspirant or change brands if needed. This is all imo.
They have so much grooming, cleansing, exfoliating, toning, moisturising etc adverts/from peers that it can be a bottomless money pit tbh
They find their own way

Pretty straightforward here - we explained to DSS about bacteria breaking down sweat and making an unpleasant smell. DH told him when he hit 13 that showering every day was non-optional, and I bought an antiperspirant for his sole use. He got it straightaway, and whilst he occasionally needs reminding to shower, it wasn't a big deal.

I let mine choose his own deodorant. Thank goodness it'll run out and I'll buy something else. It's like having a man from the 1970's in the room. Could be a lot worse I suppose.

I've had to 'teach' hair washing and tell them they need to use a small amount, but spread it on hands and all over hair. Not just a circle at the back of the head! Rinse off properly.

Introduce a cleaniliness routine well before the teenage years. Encourage the child to be clean, explain how the body works and why cleanliness is important.

My DS's have always had a good cleanliness routine, bathing regularly, but as they have become more independent, I buy shower gels and roll on deodorants for regular use, and always buy gentle ones, (dove are top of my list). I have asked my DS if he wants to take one to school when it is a PE day, to use deodorant before sport, and after showering. I ask that they put their clothing in the laundry basket daily and change their school top daily (there is no worse fragrance than day old BO).

Def something that happens naturally! After years of making sure they have regular baths they sort of fall into a pattern!

My DC is always asking me to buy new skin care products including hand cream, face mask, spot treatments and cream for eczema. I’m always on the hunt for new products to try, I do try to keep it simple. It’s important for kids to grow up looking after their skin and use products to look after it. We use dove soap bars.

I've got two DS's who are teenagers and it's a pain to get them in the shower sometimes. I have to literally tell them to 'get in, now' unless they are meeting a girl then I can't keep them out of the bathroom.

It starts from much younger. A healthy pride in being clean and fresh becomes habit.

I think children tend to emulate what they see parents do, & so it was an easy process with my daughter to bath or shower daily. She was interested in lotions & potions she saw I had so using deodorant when she got to that stage needed no encouragement. If any thing she would want to over wash her hair, & we had to have a chat about it being bad to strip the natural oils too much. I think it is perhaps easier with girls getting the message as we continually are discussing all different areas of hygiene, changes, products etc.

Starting with basic hygiene is important and build from there based on personal needs

teach by example, so shower everyday, use deodorants and buy them for your children. Help with acne by buying the correct skin care products and eat healthily and cook nutritious healthy meals.