So your teenager is growing up. It seems to happen overnight, and yet you certainly saw it coming. You have tried to teach them everything from how to handle their budding finances to how to empty the bins when they are full, and yet there is always more to teach them. One of the most important things they need to learn is how to deal with their personal hygiene demands. Here is a quick primer and a few reminders to help refresh everyone’s memories when you need them.
Care for Their Piercings
Teens love self-expression. They simultaneously want to fit in and stand out. This complexity may lead them to get their nose pierced. It is a fun and artful way to fit in with their friends and show their unique personality. However, they need to understand the responsibility that comes with the decision to get a nose piercing. Otherwise, the look will not be good, and they may end up dealing with an unfortunate infection.
This is where you come in. Teach your teen to pay close attention to their body and learn about proper piercing care. Show them this website on how to care for your nose piercing. Sometimes, if you can lead with expert advice instead of just information they think you came up with on your own, your words will hold more weight. Of course, these care strategies will apply to any other piercings they have, such as earrings and belly button rings.
Emphasise the Importance of Proper Oral Hygiene
Sometimes, as you may have noticed or smelled, your teens need a refresher on how to take care of their teeth. Whether they think once a day is good enough or they just do not understand the importance of fresh breath, you can help them do better.
Emphasise the necessity of flossing, proper brushing, and mouthwash. Encourage your teen to brush after every meal when they are at home and rinse with water after every meal when they are away from home. Teaching them how to use a tongue scraper to rid smelly bacteria from their tongue is beneficial, as well.
Watch this video to learn basic dental care tips you and your teen may not know about.
Remind them that Showers Involve Scrubbing
Some teens, perhaps even your own beloved children, spend either very little time in the shower without properly washing with soap and scrubbing as needed, or they tend to linger in the warm water without doing a great job at cleaning themselves.
Give your teens a gentle reminder that showering hygiene involves cleaning. And, much like washing the dishes by hand, some scrubbing is necessary to get clean and smell good. Point out that deodorant is essential after every shower, as well.
Teens, even the best ones with great parents, tend to forget that hygiene is important. Gently teach and re-teach them on the importance of taking care of their bodies, piercings, and then do it again when they need it. One day, they will get it and may even thank you. While you are at it, remember to take care of your health, too.
