So you’ve just dropped your son’s friend home after that weekend footy game. Gosh it helps to share lifts when your kids are playing sport in three different parts of the world!! We all know how car-pooling saves us at the best of times…but right now is NOT one of those times as you turn to your son and say - “I just don’t think I can lift Tom home any more!”

We ALL know that awkward feeling. But when you’re stuck in a car on a rainy Saturday afternoon with a car full of stinky teenage boys - please have some respect for us carpool drivers and make sure your boys know DO NOT ENTER VEHICLE until one has applied deodorant!

So I turned to my son and said “I know Tom’s a great friend, but I’m going to have to have a very delicate conversation with Tom’s mum (made even more awkward when she’s a close friend of mine) that he has to start wearing deodorant and putting it on before he gets in my car on the way home….or no more lifts!”

Having difficult conversations with friends can be challenging, especially when it involves their children's personal hygiene. While discussing the need for a young boy to start using deodorant might seem uncomfortable, it is an essential step in their personal grooming routine. Approaching this topic with empathy and understanding can help maintain a strong and supportive friendship while ensuring the well-being and confidence of their child.

So let’s consider...

1. Understanding the Importance of Personal Hygiene:

Begin by emphasising the significance of personal hygiene, especially during the transitional phase of adolescence. Explain how regular hygiene practices, including using deodorant, can promote a sense of confidence and well-being in social settings. 

2. Establishing an Open and Supportive Environment:  

Approach your friend in a private and non-judgmental setting, ensuring that they feel comfortable and supported. Emphasise your intention to help and express your concern for their child's well-being. 

3. Highlighting the Natural Changes of Puberty:  

Discuss the natural changes that occur during puberty, including increased sweating and body odor. Explain how introducing deodorant can effectively manage these changes and help their child feel more comfortable and confident in their daily interactions. 

4. Recommending Gentle and Natural Products:  

Suggest gentle and natural deodorant options suitable for young and sensitive skin. Provide information about products that are specifically designed for children, emphasising their effectiveness in controlling odor without harsh chemicals. 

5. Sharing Personal Experiences and Tips:  

Share any personal experiences or anecdotes that can help alleviate your friend's concerns and demonstrate that this is a common and normal conversation to have. Provide practical tips on how to introduce the topic to their child in a positive and supportive manner. 

• 6. Encouraging Positive Reinforcement:  

Highlight the importance of positive reinforcement and praise for their child's efforts in adopting new hygiene practices. Emphasize the role of encouragement in building their child's self-esteem and creating a positive association with the use of deodorant.

Concluding the conversation with reassurance and support can reinforce the trust and bond between friends, remind your friend that addressing personal hygiene matters is a natural part of parenting and that your concern stems from a place of genuine care and support for their child's well-being. By approaching this sensitive topic with empathy and understanding, you can help your friend navigate this important aspect of their child's development with confidence and grace.

We all know that carpooling our friends' kids and our friends carpooling our kids saves us time and energy and quite simply, we couldn’t let our kids do half the activities they chose to do without the help from our friends. But let’s make our lives a whole lot easier by being empathetic and honest in our friendships. No-one can drive with the car windows closed on a rainy day with stinky teenage boys piled into the car!

NEON GOAT. MADE FOR CARPOOL DRIVERS EVERYWHERE.