Grooming my son -
a modern hygiene tour
S
melly feet. Brown socks. Bad
breath. Sour underwear. Have
you ever had an encounter
with any of these human-like
things that send shivers down your
spine? This might be the case if you
have a young, busy-body son in your
house, keeping everybody on their
toes as he goes along.
No parent would like to be shocked
with unwelcome information that their
golden boy or star son is growing up
too fast with a few unwanted habits
along the way.
Boys tend to be less “caring”
when it comes to the way they look
or present themselves when they
grow up, as they are used to a busy,
fun-filled day at school, followed by
a sport-driven afternoon creating a
somewhat busy and active day where
looks are not as important as having
fun.
It is always important to emphasise
that play and having fun is part of a
child’s life and that it helps to shape
them in their development. It is also
important to point out, especially to
young boys, that a balanced lifestyle
needs to be maintained in order to
stay healthy and to be presentable to
others.
How do I approach my son?
Should you become aware that your
son has a slight body odour or bad
breath, approach him in a kind, soft
but firm way, so that the message of
personal hygiene is clear. Explain to
him why it is important to practise
good personal hygiene and assure him
that he is not in trouble – you are not
disciplining him, but merely helping
him to be neat on himself.
Do not make a scene about dirty
socks (ones that have been worn
more than once) or dirty nails. Take
the opportunity to teach your child
good hygiene practices and make sure
that it is a learning experience. Some
boys might become extremely selfconscious or aware of their bodies.
Don’t make it worse by constantly
questioning them on whether they
have brushed their teeth or sprayed
deodorant under their arms.
Pointers on good hygiene for
young boys
• It is important that you as a parent
model good hygiene practices in
your house to set a good example
for your sons, regardless of whether
you are the mother or the father.
You cannot expect your young son
to wash his hands after he used
the bathroom if you neglect to do
so before preparing supper for the
family.
•• Encourage your son to wash his
face every morning to wash off the
night’s sweat