6 Tips To Get Your Tween or Teen Boy to Shower (Without Nagging)
If you’re a parent of a tween or teen boy, chances are you’ve had that conversation about their hygiene more times than you can count. When our boys start to stink, it’s almost impossible not to notice and want to do something about it! Those hormones that are surging through their bodies are certainly making things worse. How many times have we looked at our kid and asked the big question: “Have you showered today?” And they look at us with annoyance, then roll their eyes, shrug their shoulders, and walk away. All the while, their stench still remains, and you find yourself at a loss for how to get your kid motivated to clean himself up!
But don’t worry, moms. You are certainly not alone! As our boys hit puberty, they need a little more convincing to hop in the shower, wash their hair, wear deodorant, or brush their teeth, even though good hygiene has never been more important (and so desperately needed!).
So, how do you motivate your tween or teen to care about their hygiene without turning it into a daily battle?
Here Are 6 Tips To Get Your Tween Or Teen Boy To Shower
1. Make It Their Responsibility
Tweens and teens thrive on independence, and hygiene is no exception. It often becomes a power struggle if you keep reminding them to shower. Instead, focus on helping them take ownership of their hygiene routine. Explain how personal hygiene impacts their health, appearance, and even their social lives. This conversation can go a long way in helping them connect the dots between their choices and their well-being.
2. Start Simple
For some teens, it’s not that they don’t want to shower—they just don’t have the right hygiene items in place to make it easy. Stock the bathroom with simple products that are quick and easy to use, like 2-in-1 body wash and shampoo. Keep things simple at first, then gradually suggest more products as their routine becomes second nature.
3. Introduce New and Cool Products
Let’s face it: The more fun something is, the more likely our kids will use it. That’s where the Good Guygiene Box comes in. This subscription box for tween and teen boys is a total game-changer. Each box is filled with 4-6 personal care items that are not only effective but also cool enough that your son will actually want to use them. Think fun deodorants, fresh-smelling body washes, and safe, science-backed skincare. It’s a win-win: they get excited about the products, and you get a fresh-smelling teen!
My own son was reluctant to shower until we introduced him to the Good Guygiene Box. The idea of getting new products every other month really motivated him to take control of his hygiene routine. The best part? I didn’t have to remind him—it became his thing. These boxes are tailored just for boys, making hygiene fun, empowering, and something they look forward to.
4. Lead by Example
Our kids often mirror what they see. If they watch you take care of yourself—whether it’s grooming, brushing your teeth, or simply getting dressed—they’re more likely to follow suit. Share your routines with them, show them your favorite products, and maybe even ask them to join you in creating a self-care routine.
5. Have a Conversation About Puberty
Sometimes, hygiene reluctance is tied to embarrassment or confusion. Your tween or teen boy might not fully understand why their body is changing or why deodorant and showers have suddenly become a necessity. Having an open and honest conversation about the changes their body is going through can help them feel less awkward and alone. Help your growing guy understand that what he is experiencing is perfectly normal and that learning to take good care of his appearance is important.
6. Make It Rewarding
Creating small rewards or incentives can go a long way in building consistency. For example, using a hygiene box like Good Guygiene is a reward in itself! Every other month, your son can look forward to new products that make hygiene feel less like a chore and more like an exciting event.
Good Guygiene’s rotating themes and product selections keep things fresh—so there is no product overlap—and all the ingredients are clean, toxin-free, and cruelty-free. This box sets the stage for lifelong healthy habits and puts your son in the driver’s seat when it comes to taking care of himself.
If your son could use a little motivation in the hygiene department, I highly recommend trying the Good Guygiene Box. You can even grab 15% off your first box with code MOTT15! Click HERE to check it out and give your tween or teen the boost they need to feel confident, fresh, and ready to tackle the day.
Parenting our boys during the tween and teen years comes with its fair share of challenges, but encouraging good hygiene doesn’t have to be one of them. With a little creativity, conversation, and the right products, you can help your tween or teen take control of their hygiene—and maybe even enjoy it!
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Good Guygiene is a personal care subscription box for boys hitting puberty/adolescence. It is designed to level up their hygiene game and help them smell good, feel good, and look good. The box has 4-6 personal care items based on a different hygiene theme every other month- so no product overlap- that will set the stage for lifelong healthy hygiene habits and put HIM (not mom) in the driver’s seat! And bonus, all products are toxin-free, cruelty-free, and backed by, you know—science.
Check it out HERE! Use code MOTT15 to get 15% off their first box.