13 year old boy, yuck

[Anonymous]

Just curious, OP...did you do nightly baths when your kids were small?

I read a lot of people on this forum do them very infrequently when kids are little 2-3 times a week.

We have always done nightly baths since my kids were infants. My oldest is only 8.5, but he and his brother look forward to a hot shower or bath right before bedtime. It is just a routine that's embedded.

I'm curious if you did this or not. I'm wondering if a kid never had to do it, but now he is stinking and wasn't in the habit and won't do it. Or-- if they just gave it up as teens.

Frankly, I'm grossed out by a lot of DS friends that don't even shower after a hot and sweaty soccer match. They just put their pjs on. Granted-some of them may not physically stink yet at 8 (though my kid does in the pits already) it is gross not to wash that sweat off.

[Anonymous]

It also depends on the kid. Boys just don't care till they care about girls. Just remind them. Eventually they will care.

Again, depending on the skin type, showers every day can be bad and lead to skin rashes. My younger boy is into the girls and washes himself twice in the shower. Once with soap and once with body wash for the smell. My older boy, I have to remind.

But, boys stink and they don't notice.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the 'remind them and eventually, they will care' philosophy. You'll feel like a nag for a while, but soon they will take care of things without you needing to tell them.

Signed, mom of 3 young men

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just curious, OP...did you do nightly baths when your kids were small?

I read a lot of people on this forum do them very infrequently when kids are little 2-3 times a week.

We have always done nightly baths since my kids were infants. My oldest is only 8.5, but he and his brother look forward to a hot shower or bath right before bedtime. It is just a routine that's embedded.

I'm curious if you did this or not. I'm wondering if a kid never had to do it, but now he is stinking and wasn't in the habit and won't do it. Or-- if they just gave it up as teens.

Frankly, I'm grossed out by a lot of DS friends that don't even shower after a hot and sweaty soccer match. They just put their pjs on. Granted-some of them may not physically stink yet at 8 (though my kid does in the pits already) it is gross not to wash that sweat off.

OP here. Yes, we did bathe them every night as little ones.
I think I may employ the hose when he arrives home tactic.