7 Ways to Break Free from the Daily Battle of the BO
If you’ve ever felt like the “hygiene police” in your house, you’re not alone. Parents everywhere are exhausted by the constant reminders to shower, brush, and swipe on deodorant. But as I learned in my conversation with Carly Broderick, mom and founder of Miles Deodorant, nagging isn’t the answer. There are smarter ways to help teens take ownership of their routines—and finally put an end to the daily battle of the BO.
Here are seven game-changing strategies you can start using right away.
1. Teach SSB
Carly introduced me to a genius shortcut: SSB = Shower, Swipe, Brush. Instead of rattling off a whole checklist every morning, you can simply ask, “Did you SSB today?” Teens love shortcuts, and this one takes the nagging out of the equation.
2. Make It Visible
One reason teens “forget” deodorant is because it’s buried in a drawer. Carly put it best: “Think about where deodorant needs to sit in your house. Put it where it’ll actually get used.” Bathroom counter, by their toothbrush, even in a backpack pocket—it’s all about making the routine effortless.
3. Explain the Why
Most teens don’t even smell their own body odor, so when we say, “You stink,” it just feels like criticism. A better approach? Explain the science. Puberty means more sweat + bacteria, and that’s what creates odor. Keep it matter-of-fact, and suddenly hygiene becomes about biology, not blame.
4. Stop Saying “You Stink”
Public call-outs like “You smell horrible!” only create embarrassment and pushback. A private, supportive script works so much better. Try: “I noticed your shirts are starting to smell—want to try a deodorant that feels good on your skin?” As I shared on the episode, “Shaming backfires. Our words should empower, not embarrass.”
5. Stack the Habit
Teens often forget new habits unless they’re tied to something they already do. Carly recommends “habit stacking”: link hygiene to a daily anchor. For example, “After breakfast, it’s SSB time.” With repetition, it becomes automatic—no reminders required.
6. Celebrate Growth
Instead of treating hygiene like a chore, frame it as a milestone of maturity. Teens want to feel grown up, and hygiene is a chance to give them that recognition. Try saying: “You’re old enough now to have your own routine—that’s exciting.” Acknowledge their progress, not just the moments they slip up.
7. Let Them Choose (And Try Miles!)
Here’s the big one: if your teen doesn’t like the scent or texture, they won’t use the product. Period. That’s why Carly created Miles Deodorant—a clean, natural option designed specifically for teens’ unique needs. She even partnered with a panel of teens to develop scents that feel authentic, not like the overly gendered products in most aisles.
Bring home a few options and ask your teen, “Which feels like you?” Giving them ownership makes all the difference. And if you want to try Miles for yourself, Carly is offering my listeners 20% off with the code DRCAMFAN20 on Amazon 👉 Shop Miles Deodorant.
Final Thoughts
As Carly put it, “A great day starts with feeling good in your skin.” By simplifying routines, explaining the why, and giving teens ownership, you can finally break free from the hygiene wars.
🎧 Listen Now for More Tips
For more strategies (and plenty of laughs), tune in to my full conversation with Carly on the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam podcast:
