Grooming Your Son for Life

In her audio seminar Raising Great Kids (Family Manager Inc., 2004), Kathy Peel devotes an entire section to raising boys. Specifically, the author of 17 parenting books tells moms how they can help their sons develop healthy hygiene habits. Why would Peel focus on body odor, dirty laundry and other, well, unpleasant topics?

With Guys, It’s Different
Peel believes that parents – especially moms – may lack confidence when it comes to educating their sons about this topic. “Moms know what it’s like to grow up as a girl; they’ve been there,” she explains. “But with guys, it’s different.”

Though sons and daughters mature differently, mothers can connect with their sons’ desire to look good. Anxiety about appearance runs high during the teen years, regardless of sex.

Studies confirm that the No. 1 concern of boys ages 9 to 16 is how they look, Peel says. “Their bodies are changing, and moms need to be sensitive to their concerns about their appearance.” A mother’s sympathy and support – and low-key grooming advice – can also promote a closer relationship between mother and son during these transitional years.

But how can a mom educate her son about the delicate topic of personal hygiene without embarrassing or offending him? As the mother of three sons (ages 29, 26 and 19), Peel has plenty of experience and pointers:

• Start when your son is young. Whether he’s taking up soccer at 6 or hitting puberty at 12, he can benefit from tips about cleanliness and health at a young age.

• Use a subtle approach. “Nagging doesn’t work,” Peel says. Instead, she suggests leaving some helpful hints on your son’s dresser. “He may feign disinterest,” she says, but he will be grateful for the advice.