Anonymous wrote:I remember in fifth grade family life, the kids were told that they needed to start wearing deodorant. And, for my younger one, in third grade his gymnastics coach told him he needed to wear it. He was singled out, but it didn't bother him.

Just be glad you don't have boys. At that age, they have an affinity for Axe and there is nothing like having 30 second of Axe sprayed in your bathroom.

When does the Axe start for boys? I had someone tell me recently that her 11 year old had an affinity for "scent" and Axe was huge. So when should I prepare for it? Do they ask you to buy it or do they usually get it themselves? This is so cute/funny to me now but I know it won't be when my 3 yo is smelling like the inside of a magazine.

I think this is totally appropriate and kind. Your child may not have an issue yet, but I guarantee you over half of that class of 9 and 10 year olds don't smell like roses when they return from recess.

I recall my 5th grade teacher giving this talk 20 years ago. And she was giving the talk because we ALREADY smelled. Given that this teacher is smart enough to try and head it off and that puberty is happening earlier and earlier 4th grade seems about right.

No worries, but DC some deodorant. It's not going to hurt her and she'll never have to be caught off guard.

Anonymous wrote:There might be a few kids in the class that are starting to have BO, and instead of singling those kids out, she made a blanket statement. If you don't think your daughter has BO yet, don't use deodorant. But if it was my kid who was starting to smell bad, I'd be happy the teacher just addressed the class instead of embarrassing my child.

This was my assumption. It was a kind approach. If your daughter doesn't need deodorant yet, then don't get it for her. Who would know? Or get her some talc/corn starch, so she feels she's complying with her teacher's request. No biggie. It's also helpful just as an alert to you that the day is coming so monitor the need.

I think it is nice that she did that, and before they "really need it" and are very embarrassed. You do not have to do it if you don't want your DD to wear it.

I remember in fifth grade family life, the kids were told that they needed to start wearing deodorant. And, for my younger one, in third grade his gymnastics coach told him he needed to wear it. He was singled out, but it didn't bother him.

Just be glad you don't have boys. At that age, they have an affinity for Axe and there is nothing like having 30 second of Axe sprayed in your bathroom.

You buried your face in her armpit. hahahaha

The teacher doesn't want to stand in stink the whole day, and it's better that she didn't single out individuals.

The PE teacher did this at our private at the beginning of 4th. Didn't single anyone out. It was a global "rule". Wouldn't you be more upset if one DC was singled out?

Anonymous wrote:Well, if everybody has the "natural" smell no one will notice it.

ohhhhhhkay - keep tellin' yourself that

Well, if everybody has the "natural" smell no one will notice it.

Our kids had the deodorant discussion at the end of 3rd grade. I think it's age-appropriate, and while not all kids need it, enough do that I feel for the teachers in this heat.

There might be a few kids in the class that are starting to have BO, and instead of singling those kids out, she made a blanket statement. If you don't think your daughter has BO yet, don't use deodorant. But if it was my kid who was starting to smell bad, I'd be happy the teacher just addressed the class instead of embarrassing my child.

You'd be surprised. Some of the classrooms starting in 3rd grade are downright pungent smelling around this time of year. And the gym, ugh.

It would be far worse to single someone out and probably impossible too.

In FCPS at our school it was discussed during Family Life Ed in 4th grade.

There are natural options out there and ofcourse it's up to you whether to use anything or not. But there are a lot of kids who need it at "NINE".

Not at all unusual for a 4th grade teacher to suggest a child wear deodorant. She has to smell them all day, after all!

Just buy Tom's or something that doesn't have aluminum in it. You can buy deodorant without the antiperspirant part (that is what has aluminum).

My DD is 10 and just started to have a little BO after soccer practice this spring. She is so excited to use it!

Well our kids' 5 th grade teacher made that her manta starting the first day of school. So I think last few weeks of 4 th is about the same. If your kid doesn't stink I wouldn't worry about it. But I'd go ahead and buy her some deodorant.

My DD is 9, and in 4th grade.

She came home yesterday telling me she needs to start wearing deodorant. I asked why. "The teacher told us to.". She told the whole class, did not single out my child.

I realize it's getting hot and the kids are getting sweaty at recess. But deodorant on a NINE year old???? My child is not in puberty yet. She doesn't smell. I buried my face in her arm pit to check, no smell.

I think I'd rather delay my child using deodorant as long as possible because I've heard that they can be linked to breast cancer. She'll have enough years ahead of her of exposure to deodorant, she doens't need to start at NINE.

Am I way off base here? Is it normal for a 4th grade teacher to give a blanket directive to a bunch of nine year olds to start using deodorant???