Just wash!

[HamishDent]

DS (12) has recently started to smell a bit and his hair is getting greasy. All normal, but he makes such a fuss about washing and changing his clothes! I have to nag him to have a shower and actually check if he’s washed his hair, otherwise he would just wet it and wouldn’t bother to use shampoo. He would quite happily not wash for days and wear the same clothes. Getting him to use deodorant is also a constant battle.

I really don’t want this to continue and become a grotty habit. He’s a competitive swimmer so is used to being in the pool at least once a day which isn’t happening at the moment due to the restrictions. He showers after training so I don’t see why he can’t do it at home.

I’m wondering if this is a common problem or does anyone have any advice or tips?

I'm following because my 12 year old stinks and I have to beg them to get a shower. It's wearing me down. You aren't alone OP.

Another one with a 12 year-old who thinks a deodorant shower is an acceptable substitute for soap and water.

Following with interest!

I have a 14 (almost 15) YO DSD who still doesn’t take any responsibility for washing, still has to be reminded to brush her own teeth.

It drives me nuts as she does smell and it’s so unhygienic when she’s on her period

Recently i told her if she wanted to be treated like a toddler that’s fine. She marched upstairs and had a shower but ‘forgot’ to wash her greasy, matted hair. I give up....

I’m just hoping some peer pressure kicks n soon.

It does pass.
DSD and DSS were chronic soap dodgers in their early teens. By the time they were 16/17 they were much more fragrant.
DD is 13 and has to be reminded to shower.

I think it’s a totally normal phase. With ds the most effective method was showering at a set time each day and not being allowed further screen time until showering had occurred to a satisfactory standard (monitored by sniffing unfortunately). After a while I realised I wasn’t nagging anymore and he was doing it automatically.

Also nice products of their choosing helps.

There’s no joy for a teen in Aldi shower gel imo.

This is so reassuring. I have two older boys and they were always lovely and stink-free. So this is my first experience with a stinky teen. There's always one!!

I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one! This evening I just lost my temper. I ran him a bath and he didn’t even wash his hair properly so it’s still gross and greasy. There’s a shower over the bath, so it’s not as if it’s an issue to so it properly. It’s utter laziness and I’m sorry to say I’ve had enough.

I’ve told him there’s no breakfast until he’s showered and washed each morning. I’m praying he’s back to swim training soon and at least he’ll be doused in chlorine twice a day!

I hated washing until about 15. It seemed so pointless when you just got dirty again! it passed when I got a social life and going out on a Friday!

It’s laziness.
Even DH needs ‘reminding’ when not at work. Absolutely ridiculous.

Ye, dd 12 is rank I even showed her this thread and said yup that's me! She does shower most days but whatever she's doing in there ain't working for long!!

DD is 8 and is already a dirty teenager. We bought her a new top at the weekend and she hasn't taken it off since. Refuses baths. Big fights to get her clean. Makes me sick.

Op I think you're talking about my son! He will wear the same clothes for days on end no matter what they look like. Deodorant? What's that?! I've even tried the line of being laughed at when school returns but he's not bothered.