Ah, puberty – when your sweet, angelic child transforms into a moody, eye-rolling enigma. Parents, fear not! You're not alone in this thrilling adventure known as adolescence. To help you navigate the tumultuous waters of puberty, we've compiled a guide on what to expect from your teen’s hygiene during this rollercoaster ride.

The Hormone Hurricane:

Puberty is like a hormonal hurricane that sweeps through your teenager's body, leaving chaos in its wake. Expect mood swings that make your morning coffee look like a zen meditation session. One minute, your teen is the life of the party, and the next, they're sulking in their room, convinced the world is conspiring against them. It's not you; it's just the hormones talking. 

With these hormones come new smells! That’s right, body odor galore. We’ve all been there when we want to hug our adorable child, but the smell makes us step away. Here’s how you can prevent that. 

Addressing Hygiene:

What is the “Pits Nuts Butts” method of Personal Care:

Teach your child to shower regularly emphasizing the importance of washing their pits, nuts, butts in that order (and don’t forget the feet!). At JB SKRUB we found that an easy to remember regimen really helps kids stay on track.

Provide age-appropriate toiletries and explain their proper use. Teen boys don't have a ton of options that are clean and easy to use, which is exactly why we created JB SKRUB in the first place.

Smelly breath be gone:

Emphasize the importance of regular brushing and flossing to maintain good oral health.  It should take two whole minutes to properly brush those pearly whites. Consider investing in a sink-side timer to help out. 

Schedule regular dental check-ups to address any emerging issues. Braces have come a long way since the days of “railroad tracks” and “head gear”. 

They love their favorite clothes & the Body Odor feels permanent:

Discuss the importance of wearing clean clothes and using deodorant to manage body odor. How about this for a pro-tip: If you find them wearing the same clothes over and over again, buy a couple more sets of their faves and pull a switcheroo.

Provide guidance on selecting appropriate clothing, especially during physical activities. If you’re like us, and the laundry is constant, maybe it’s time to teach them how to do it themselves.

Facial hair & the moment they realize things are changing:

Teach boys how to shave and care for facial hair if it’s coming in. It’s a big transition into adulthood for young men and often marks the start of caring about appearance more than before. You don’t need to start with a scary, multi-blade razor.  Consider the smaller, vibrating “blades” for a more delicate start on that peach fuzz mustache. 

You know the importance of cleanliness to prevent skin issues and smells, but in this crazy period they won't. Make sure they have good quality products around that they can experiment with without pressure.

Educate About Acne:

This is the time to get ahead of the acne and teach them to wash and moisturize their face. As most moms know, kids can be told to do anything, but make sure what they need is available for them and that they understand why and how to use it. With JB SKRUB, clear, easy to follow directions are right on the bottle. 

Lead by example and don't be afraid to tell them what you went through yourself. Discuss the likelihood of acne during puberty and encourage a consistent skincare routine.

Consult a dermatologist if acne becomes a persistent issue despite a regular skin care routine. The kids are probably embarrassed to admit they feel insecure about their appearance, but you’re here to help.

Parenting a teenager during puberty is not for the faint of heart, but fear not! As your teenager embarks on this thrilling journey of self-discovery, remember to keep your sense of humor intact. Laugh at the eye rolls, embrace the door slams, and celebrate the newfound communication style. In the end, your teenager will emerge from puberty like a beautiful butterfly, and you will have some entertaining stories to tell. Just remember: this too shall pass, and one day, you'll look back on these tumultuous years and think, "Ah, puberty – we survived the storm and lived to tell the tale!”