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Teenagers

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

Original poster

Tooth brushing and showering

8 replies

Fififizz · 03/04/2023 08:21

Just wondering if I’m alone in this. DS age 13 will still avoid brushing his teeth if he can. I remind him and check his toothbrush has been used etc. Should I go back to standing over him each morning? It drives me bonkers I can’t trust him to do this. I still have to remind him/nag to take showers too. 🤷‍♀️

OP posts:
3sthemagicnumber · 03/04/2023 09:00

Three teens here - I think I can give you cautious hope:

Kid 1, 16, totally self-sufficient about showering/teeth etc, has been for a couple of years
Kid 2, 14, almost totally self-sufficient (needs reminding about teeth in the morning sometimes). Has improved massively in last few months
Kid 3, 14 (suspected but undiagnosed ASD), needs prompting about showers, though again has recently improved slightly; would never do teeth if not reminded and often won't do them without an argument (think this is a sensory issue, but haven't managed to work out a solution yet)

So, based on my anecdotal evidence, you'd expect to still be nagging at this stage, but the end is in sight!

Badbudgeter · 03/04/2023 09:10

My 12 yo started failing to use shampoo on his hair and got awful dandruff. I also have issues with tooth brushing. I sound no like a broken record.

Original poster
Fififizz · 03/04/2023 09:50

Thanks. That gives me a degree of hope. DS is neurodiverse but I don’t think it’s a sensor issue. I’m sorry to say I think it’s more can’t be bothered and still not seeing it as part of the daily routine. His hair’s another matter entirely. Spends ages doing that. Unfortunately my husband isn’t as on it when he’s in charge either so that doesn’t help with reinforcement.

OP posts:
Doremisofarsogood · 03/04/2023 09:52

DSS (20!) is still extremely hit and miss when it comes to personal hygiene. We tell him that no-one wants to be the stinky lad at work! When he was here more regularly when younger he'd always have to be reminded to shower, brush teeth etc. I'm talking 16, 17.....sorry!

mamatoTails · 03/04/2023 11:28

My DS was like that, he's now about to turn 15 and is getting OTT with showering and teeth! Having to bang on the door to get him out the shower, and he goes through toothpaste like it's sweets!
Also forever getting his hair done, using deodorant and running out of aftershave! One extreme to the other!

Original poster
Fififizz · 03/04/2023 11:41

mamatoTails · 03/04/2023 11:28

My DS was like that, he's now about to turn 15 and is getting OTT with showering and teeth! Having to bang on the door to get him out the shower, and he goes through toothpaste like it's sweets!
Also forever getting his hair done, using deodorant and running out of aftershave! One extreme to the other!

I think if I could choose my problems I’d rather have this than the current situation. He does go OTT on the deodorant at the moment but I think that’s to compensate for the lack of showers…..🙈

OP posts:
MySweetBaboo · 04/04/2023 09:17

Three teens here and the oldest and youngest don’t need any prompting around teeth, showers etc. Middle one is a nightmare, mostly showers but barely cleans her teeth. She’s a typical awkward middle child so the more I mention it the less likely she is to do it. I’ve told her she will just have to deal with the consequences at the dentist!

Remmy123 · 04/04/2023 20:26

Yep same. I've child 11 showers too much but my 14 year old hasn't showered in a week it's so grim!!

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