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How To Trick Your Teenage Son Into Taking A Shower

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Ah, the sweet scent of teenage spirit – a fragrance that often has parents pining for the fresh air of yesteryear when their child was but a wee, clean tot. But fear not, weary guardians of the odorous adolescent, for there are ways to coax your nose-blind offspring into the cleansing cascade of a shower without resorting to hazmat suits or extreme measures. We want to know… what worked for you?

Let’s explore the art of teenage cleanliness subterfuge.

The Stealthy Setup

Young man playing video games in the dark.
Photo credit_ Robert Nagy via Canva

First, you must be as cunning as a fox who’s just been appointed Professor of Cunning at Oxford University. Begin by casually mentioning that the latest scientific research suggests water increases Wi-Fi signal and gaming skills. Watch his eyes light up with the prospect of uninterrupted, lag-free gaming.

Bait and Switch

Close up of McDonalds French Fries.
Photo credit otusstock via Shutterstock.

Promise them a trip to their favorite fast-food joint post-shower. The allure of greasy fries can overpower even the most stubborn shower-resistant teen. Just be prepared to follow through, lest you be labeled a traitor to the cause.

The Scent of Success

man showering.
 Photo credit: Sergey Torbik via Canva.

Invest in body wash that smells like teen spirit – or, you know, whatever it is they’re into these days. Is it the musk of a thousand energy drinks? The tangy zest of meme culture? Find it, and they shall bathe.

The Social Media Gambit

young boy in baseball cap.
Photo credit: Flávio Santos via Canva.

Tell them there’s a new TikTok challenge where all the cool kids post before-and-after shower pics. (Note: This does not actually exist, but your teen doesn’t need to know that.)

The Reverse Psychology Ploy

mother talking to son.
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Declare a new house rule: No one is allowed to shower on weekends. Then, watch as your teen, fueled by the rebellious streak that comes with the territory, insists on taking extra-long showers just to spite you.

The FOMO Technique

handsome man in black.
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Casually drop that you read online about celebrities showering multiple times a day. If it’s trending in Hollywood, it’s got to be worth doing, right?

The Environmental Approach

Close-up Photography of Green Leaf With Drops of Water.
Photo credit: Burst via Canva.

Explain that showers are now eco-friendly and skipping them is akin to hugging a tree to death. Guilt-trip them into saving the planet, one shower at a time.

The Educational Tactic

Family watching TV.
Photo credit: Ketut Subiyanto via Canva.

Start a family documentary night featuring only shows about water cycles and the importance of hygiene. By the third episode, they’ll be begging to experience the water cycle firsthand.

The Fitness Feint

Man lifting weights.
Photo credit: Andres Ayrton via Canva.

Convince them that showers are actually secret CrossFit sessions. Every rinse is a rep. They’re not just getting clean; they’re getting ripped.

The Hygiene Heist

red headed boy looking shocked.
Photo credit: SHOTPRIME via Canva.

Stage a mockumentary about a rare but highly contagious condition known as ‘Eau de Teen Room’. The only cure? You guessed it – regular showers.

The Merchandise Maneuver

Stack of colorful towels.
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Get them shower merchandise. A personalized towel, a shower radio, or a waterproof phone case can turn a mundane task into a coveted solo time.

The Water War

Boy squirting hose.
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Challenge them to a water fight that conveniently ends in the bathroom. Once they’re soaked, might as well hop in the shower, right?

The Clean Con

folded clothing.
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Start using their room to store freshly laundered clothes, claiming their ‘natural scent’ adds freshness. They’ll be in the shower before you can say ‘fabric softener’.

The Ultimate Ultimatum

teenage boy in stripe shirt.
Photo credit: stripes Pexels via Canva.

Inform them that until they shower, the Wi-Fi password will change daily. And guess who controls the daily password distribution? That’s right, the keeper of cleanliness – you.

May The Shower Gods Be In Your Favor

Happy teen boy.
Photo credit: Satrio Ramadhan via Canva.

With a bit of creativity, a dash of deception, and a sprinkle of humor, you can navigate the murky waters of teenage hygiene. Remember, the goal isn’t just to have a clean kid but to teach them the value of water beyond its thirst-quenching abilities. Good luck, brave souls – may the shower gods be ever in your favor.

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Kid holding beach ball with harried mom.
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flamin' hot Cheetos.
Photo credit: PBT via DepositPhotos.

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