How to approach the "stinky kid" encounter?

[Supernrse01, BSN]

I just had to approach a 5th grade girl because of body odor. Her teacher asked me to call her down so that she could "wash and use some deodorant". So embarrassing for a sweet girl.

I called her down, and she indeed needed the benefit of soap and water. I just asked her if she got hot and sweaty during gym today to which she replied that she did. I just told her I had a new shirt for her and that I was going to give her some deodorant and soap so that she could freshen up a bit. It was completely understandable that she might want to after a hard day in gym class. How do you all approach this situation?

[caliotter3]

My grandchild told me that her school stopped the practice of showers at the end of gym class. Personally, I don't see how they can expect the children to engage in physical activity with no allowance for hygiene afterwards. I will bet this girl is not the only one in need of freshening up. It is not her fault.

[DistrictNurse19]

We have a 5th grade teacher who provides a small deodorant for each student at the start of the school year. She reminds the students at "bathroom break" that it is time to wash their hands, get a drink of water, and use their deodorant. Yes, it is $$ out of her own pocket, but she feels it is worth it since the classroom is small, crowded, and no air conditioning!

[luvschoolnursing, LPN]

When I worked in elementary, I would often go and speak to the entire 5th grade class. I wold talk about how their bodies are changing (not "the talk" just a stinky talk) and that they now needed to shower daily and wear deodorant. The ones we had the biggest problems with are the ones whose parents had poor hygiene, the others caught on and cleaned up their act. It was easier for me to address an entire group than single out one child.