Personal Hygiene

Children do not have the knowledge or skills to take care of their hygiene. Therefore, parents need to oversee their habits. The best way to teach kids about hygiene is to start early, with simple practices at home. Read on to know more about the healthy habits that you can help your child develop.


Personal hygiene encompasses many areas in which your child may need guidance:

  • Shower or bathe our bodies regularly

  • Washing our clothes frequently

  • Brushing our teeth (Twice a day)

  • Covering mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing

  • Washing hands frequently

  • Eating healthy


According to the CDC, children generally enter puberty between the ages of 9 and 14. Around this time, they become more aware of their bodies and may begin to develop body odor. Please remember that just because they can't smell it, or you aren't noticing it, doesn't mean everyone else around them hasn't noticed. Even if they haven't entered puberty, they are still prone to bacteria, sweat, and hormone changes. Thus, making their bodies stink! And with a room full of stinky bodies, it can be overwhelming.

Deodorant is safe for your kids to use when they're ready. In fact, many brands make a deodorant that is specially formulated for younger wearers. Although no studies have drawn a connection between deodorant ingredients and health problems like cancer, you may still be concerned about beginning your child on a traditional deodorant too early. If that’s the case, check out natural deodorant alternatives until your child needs something stronger.

*Please remember that deodorants only mask odors and should not take the place of daily showering or bathing.



According to the National Cancer Institute, there is no scientific evidence linking the use of deodorants and antiperspirants to the development of cancer.

Does my child need to bathe every day?

According to Harvard Health, bathing two or three times a week is fine. Stinky pre-teens might need more bathing or showering, depending on activity level and deodorant use. And according to the Cleveland Clinic, children between the ages of 6-11 should be showering two to three times a week, minimum. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends the same.

Generally speaking, kids don't want to spend time on a self-care routine. So, that's where you as the parent come in. Make sure the water isn't just running over them and getting their hair and body wet. Check to see that they are actively shampooing their hair, and washing their body parts, especially the areas vulnerable to sweat and bacteria: armpits, behind the knees, groin, and buttcrack. Yes, you just read that right! Children tend to forget these areas the most when these are the areas that need it the most. If it helps, stand your child in front of the mirror and practice the art of showering so that you know how they are doing it. Teach them to lift and separate the areas to really get in to tight spots. It sounds invasive, but it makes all the difference!

*Washing their clothes on a regular basis will help cut down on some of the odors as well.


I hear the water running, so I know my child is showering...