Smelly Kids

[SaltineQueen]

I know we've talked about this before, but I'm not having any luck with searching...

My general thought is that it's awkward for me to have the first conversation with a kid who I have little to no relationship with. My kids are K-3rd...so not usually B.O. but often a urine smell, or just a generally dirty smell, sometimes breath that would knock you down.

What are your thoughts on the subject? How do you talk about it?

[mandm97, RN]

14 minutes ago, SaltineQueen said:

Curious why you clear it with a parent before talking to the student?

Good Question.........for the same reason Kidzcare stated--it can be very awkward if the parents does not see this as problem. I've had parents complained (got burned a few times in 20+ years of school nursing-pre-k thru 8th grade) that I spoke to their child about this without checking with them. Most parents appreciate the heads up but want to have that discussion themselves. Some parents are frustrated with the student as well and is happy for me to have a chat with child. ?

On 2/7/2020 at 12:37 PM, BiscuitRN said:

We ended up having student (upon their choice, older and embarrassed by the smell) get to school early, shower in the locker rooms, and uniforms washed at school and kept at school. Really saw the child's confidence and social skills sky rocket after that was put into play.

I love everything about this- a solution that works for all involved with not a whole lot of difficulty- just coordination and willing participants!

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

On 2/11/2020 at 9:17 AM, SaltineQueen said:

Curious why you clear it with a parent before talking to the student?

Probably the age. If it's a teenager I start with them. But parents are touchy. "How dare you speak to my precious darling because someone says he smells bad. He smells like roses!"

Also - talking with the parent gives me the opportunity to assess things like whether they have a dryer or whether they even have electricity.