Is your teenager capable of keeping a healthy hygiene routine without your help?

This question isn't only for those parents of teens who don't want to shower everyday. It's also for those teens whose mom makes all of their hair cut appointments. You need to turn over the responsibility of your teen's body to your teen.

That doesn't mean you say, “you need to start taking care of yourself; and that is that. No. It won't work. You'll need to take the time to show your teen what needs to be done to set a healthy routine and set the expectation, allow her some time to do this thing and check regularly that the thing is getting done. Be sure to listen to your teen's needs. Go over different types of hygiene products your teen can use and give your teen the choice. Discuss the pros and cons of different products – use your open lines of communication.

By the time your teen/young adult is ready to leave home, he/she should be independently able to:

• Brush his teeth regularly.
• Shower on a regular basis.
• Shave.
• Use deodorant.
• Clip and file toe and finger nails.
• Dress appropriately for the weather/occasion.
• Take the appropriate amount of medication when he/she has a cold, headache, etc.
• Make hair cut appointments.
• Make doctor or dentist appointments.

Parenting Quizzes for Parents of Teens

• Quiz: Are you raising a healthy teen?
  
• Quiz: Is your teen safe online?
  
• Quiz: Do you have a case of parental burnout?
  
• Quiz: Is your teen over-scheduled?
  
• Quiz: Are you raising a mean girl?
  
• How Well Do You Really Know Your Teen?
  
• Screening Quiz: Is Your Teen Lying?
  

More on Parenting Teens.