Personal Hygiene for Tween & Teen Boys

We initially ran this episode in July 2018. But we've gained a lot of followers since then and tween & teen boys have not suddenly gotten better at personal hygiene in the interim. If you're sick of fighting with your boy about hygiene, this episode is a must-listen. Photo by Kasey Eriksen via Flickr Have a boy who hates to shower? You are not alone! When a mom recently asked the Building Boys Facebook group, “Anyone else have a teenage boy who hates to shower?” she was quickly inundated with support and sympathy. Personal hygiene, it seems, is not a priority for most tween and teen boys. Lots of moms said they’re dealing with the exact same issue. Others said that their boys spend a lot of time in the shower, but come out with unwashed, still-dirty hair. Is this lack of interest in appearance and, um, smell, merely a stage that will resolve without intervention? Or should parents and teachers take a more active role in teaching and reinforcing hygiene habits? Turns out, the best approach is actually a combination of those two strategies. In this episode, Jen & Janet discuss: * WHY some boys seems oblivious to their own stench * The essential role of 5th grade teachers in the hygiene battle * How colored liquid soap can help boys shower effectively * “Man soap” vs. “girly soap” * Axe bombs (Don’t know what that is? Listen in at 12:41!) * When — and how — to have the hygiene talk * When boys should start using deodorant – & how to make sure your boys use it regularly (Listen carefully for Jen’s pro tips!) * The role of role-modeling in personal hygiene * How to get the stench out of your boys’ gym clothes and sports uniforms * Tooth brushing (Spoiler: Instill good tooth brushing habits when you boys are young!) * Hair care * How to combine male bonding and hygiene rituals (not as weird as it sounds!) * BEING NEUTRAL! Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode: Boying Up: How to be Brave, Bold and Brilliant. by Mayim Bialik — A great book to leave laying around the house. Includes detailed hygiene instructions for boys. Why Do Teenagers Smell Bad? Study Suggests They May Be Unable to Detect Own Scent — report of Danish research ON BOYS on YouTube -- watch uncut versions of our conversations Sponsor Spotlight: Stryke Club Skin care specifically made for boys! Created by a group of “boy moms,” including a pediatric dermatologist, Stryke Club products are simple, safe and non-drying. Use discount code ONBOYS to save 10%. LIKE THIS EPISODE? Share it with your friends (and thanks!): Twitter: