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Last fall the middle school had a night where kids and parents went around re-enacting the kids’ school schedules. In between classes, the hallways were packed. I’m not one that will usually voluntarily be in a big crowd, so it was already awkward for me. It was then made even more awkward because of the terrible smell.
The smell of new teenage body odor is the worst.
That night I learned more than my kids’ schedules, I learned that most of those middle schoolers were not wearing deodorant. Or maybe their parents weren’t? (I’m going to extend the benefit of the doubt there.) I’ve been in crowds before, but never a crowd that smelled so intensely like body odor.
That night, I mentally added middle school teachers to people who I respect because they handle hard things. Kindergarten teachers are still at the top of this list, but anyone who has to smell middle school kids on a regular basis and also teach them stuff … that’s impressive too.
I joked to my family that middle school teachers should keep baskets of deodorants by the doors of their classroom and put signs on all the desks “Parking for Deodorant-Wearer Only.” Maybe something like this … 🤣🤣🤣
Occasionally, though it is becoming more rare, my teens are among the deodorant-forgetting group. Every time I can smell them, I say as kindly as possible “DEODORANT IS NOT OPTIONAL!” And if I’m feeling snarky I may add “I’m going to make you a printable to put on the bathroom mirror.” To that they always reply “Mo-ooom!”
Well, I did it. I finally did it. I made a printable. I thought it would be both helpful AND funny to the kids as they’re getting ready to go back to school.
I made it with two backgrounds, because why not?
DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLES
Download the full-resolution Printable Images (for personal and school use only) – Blue Watercolor Background and Floral Background.
I was once their age. I kept a spare deodorant in my backpack at all times. Yes, I remember my little blue Secret in Powder Fresh as if it were yesterday. I’ll be encouraging such things for people I love this school year.
Maybe this printable can help you too. You’re welcome.
From my home to yours,
Mary
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Yes, yes, YES. My middle schooler has a spare in his backpack, a spare in his gym locker, a spare in his regular locker, and a spare in my truck. My high schooler has a spare in his gym locker, a spare in his football locker, a spare in his backpack, a spare in my truck, and 2 spares in my office (in case one of the others run out). There is nothing quite like teaching 9th graders in 7th period Algebra…AFTER they have had personal fitness…to condition a mom to monitoring her boys’ use of this essential hygiene item.
lol! Yes! Sounds like your boys are prepared! I’m sure all their teachers thank you.
Do you have a certain kind they like? Do you try to avoid antiperspirant (aluminum)? My teen usually uses arm and hammer, but it doesn’t always work as well as we’d like. She often puts it on in the morning and before bed, after her shower. I also don’t want to spend $10+ for a more natural kind, especially if it doesn’t even work.
Everyone in my family (me, husband, teens) all use this: https://us.shaklee.com/Beauty/Daily-Care/Antiperspirant-Cream/p/39076?categoryCode=DailyCare
It comes in a cream that you rub on, but I get a little roll-on bottle from Amazon that I load it into for easier application. I’m the only one that rolls on, everyone else just applies like lotion into the armpit?? It definitely works WHEN IT IS WORN. lol. I’ve been using it for 8 years now.
Hi Mary! This is completely off topic to your article but I wanted to ask you something. You are so organized in many ways. Do you have any ways that you organize your money, spending, bills, budgeting etc? I would love to learn what you do in these areas because I need a better system in regards to our finances! Thank you!
I definitely have a lot of ways I do that. I need to blog about it for sure.
My son’s 5th grade teacher told her class at the beginning of the school year that they were all now preteens, and that fact meant that it was time for them all to start wearing deodorant. I thought it was a brilliant tactic to start a good habit.
Yes, brilliant tactic for the goods and his own survival! lol