HYGIENE!

[Twinboymum2010]

So I have twin boys that turned 13 last week and I am really struggling to make them do basic hygiene tasks like teeth brushing and showering. I have printed lists to put on their bedroom doors that are essentially ‘to do’ lists before they are allowed to go on their games consoles. I am constantly nagging at them to do basic tasks like brushing their teeth and having a shower. Like literally if I do not remind them to do any hygiene tasks they will not do them at all and when I do remind them they act all shocked and then do what I’ve told them to do. I am really running out of ideas on what to do to make it second nature to them rather than me constantly on their backs and threatening to withhold their games consoles/phones. Anyone got any ideas?

Keep doing what you're doing, but I think it clicks when natural consequences come into play - ie getting ribbed by pals or wanting to get up close and personal with someone.

You just have to keep reminding them I'm afraid. I'm a lazy crap mum in many things but hygiene is non negotiable and I ALWAYS check teeth are done and a daily bath or shower is expected. DS never argues about teeth (no point!) and has just this year (14) started getting in the shower without being told to. I'm quite happy to say that if he doesn't wash he'll smell and have bad breath and people will notice because it's true. Basic hygiene is a life skill that becomes habit over many many years of being drummed in by parents IME! Keep doing it and one day maybe when they are 25 it Will be second nature.