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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

At what age do I stop reminding DS1

16 replies

ACMDowding · 09/02/2011 14:29

to clean his teeth
wash his face
wash his hair?

I still have to stand in the bathroom and make sure he does face and teeth, and have started going into bathroom to wash his hair and pour shower gel over his.
He's nearly 13

OP posts:
maryz · 09/02/2011 15:19

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inthesticks · 09/02/2011 19:11

Long ago!
Although at 12 he may be fast approaching that hormonal smelly stage. There is a period when they need to start paying extra attention to personal hygene and you may need to suggest he washes more often or more thoroughly if he gets a bit whiffy. That phase passes when girls become more interesting and then follows the Lynx stage....

Original poster
ACMDowding · 09/02/2011 19:36

He showers every day, but as far as I can tell, he doesn't actually wash in it. he also seems to have developed my fear of water and doesn't like getting his face wet. He also has to get a brace, but the dentist won't fit it unless his teeth are scrupulously clean, and we need to stand over him to do this

OP posts:
pointylug · 09/02/2011 19:51

Aha! I thought he'd be between the ages of 11 and 13/14.

I reckon they get a bit more rigorous about personal hygiene at around 14. Until then, you are their nose and the mean teasing streak of others Grin

Original poster
ACMDowding · 09/02/2011 19:57

Its quite wearing to be honest. He tries hard to sneak out of the house without cleaning the teeth. We ahve said that the dentist won't fit a brace unelss he keeps them clean but he doesn't seem to care. I've washed his hair again tongiht, it was mingingGrin. He does use deodorant
His 11 year old brother on the other hand is a poser in the bathroom/

OP posts:
verybored · 10/02/2011 14:13

TBH I really would stop washing his hair. If he wants it to be minging, let him go to school like it. His peers will soon let him know!

With the teeth, I would just remind him but not stand over him. DS1 is 14 and about to have his brace fitted and he knows he will have to make sure his teeth are properly clean. I may give him the odd reminder but at the end of the day they are his teeth and up to him to look after them.

alemci · 10/02/2011 14:22

I amazed he lets you in there with him. I stopped going into the bathroom with my son when he was about 10 to 11 and he has now hit puberty and is 13. I would be embarassed about his privacy but maybe that is my hang up.

He does shower everyday but is lazy about his teeth and i have to nag.

Ooopsadaisy · 10/02/2011 14:28

DS is 14.

He showers daily but frequently forgets to brush his teeth, which I think is vile.

I'm afraid I nag and actually check that the toothbrush has been used. This should not be necessary and makes me even crosser that I have to do it.

I don't understand why it's a problem. I'm sure I didn't have to be told at 14. Perhaps it's a boy thing.

I shall continue while he lives under this roof because I think it's a hygene issue and it's a house rule.

He probably thinks I'm a cow but I have his dental well-being at heart.

twopeople · 10/02/2011 14:33

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maryz · 10/02/2011 14:59

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Abr1de · 10/02/2011 15:08

My dainty-looking daughter is 12 and still has to be coerced into bathing more than three times a week. She is very small and doesn't show any signs of puberty so smelling isn't an issue, but I am trying to persuade her that more would be better.

amothersplaceisinthewrong · 10/02/2011 15:12

So OOps, if he is 25 and still living at home (highly possibly in these straitened times) will you still be making sure he has brushed his teeth.....

Ooopsadaisy · 10/02/2011 15:14

Do you know what, amothersplaceisinthewrong, I have told him I will do exactly that.

If I have to shame him in front of mates and girlfriends, I will do it.

I'm not a madly strict Mum, but teeth-brushing is just one of those things.

ragged · 10/02/2011 19:55

I intend to nag DS to brush his teeth until the end of time.

Manky Hair and body don't bother me so much, he's not going to lose his skin or hair forever if he neglects them. Teeth are different.

herbietea · 10/02/2011 20:07

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mumeeee · 10/02/2011 23:24

At that age I would remind them but then just leave them to it,

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