With the temperatures rising and the warm summer breezes blowing, sometimes we become more sensitive to certain aromas. That’s right: B.O.

I can certainly remember the first summer I realized that I was blossoming into a beautiful flower – that had a very, um, distinct aroma. What happened? The summer before, I could play outside to my heart’s content and smell the same, but now, it seemed like I didn’t even have to do anything active to start smelling like a sweaty onion! I was pretty traumatized when my mom put the first pale pink stick of deodorant on my dresser and told me it was time to start using it. Growing up is complicated!

Many of your girls may be experiencing this for the first time this summer. It can be a pretty sensitive subject to address, but somebody’s got to do it. Many of your girls simply may not know that it’s time to start taking steps to prevent having this air about them. If you suspect some of your girls aren’t getting the hygiene message at home, it may be time to have a heart-to-heart with your girls.

Sometimes all it takes is generally mentioning the wonderful miracle that is the deodorant stick. Just a general word at the beginning of a club meeting or small group session letting the girls know that it’s important to take a shower every day during the summer and apply deodorant. Let the girls know that sometimes during the summer, they may want to apply deodorant more than once a day.

If you’re hosting a spa night or talking about hair care, this would be a good time to mention the importance of bathing and using deodorant, too. If you’re already talking about eyebrow plucking, it might feel a little less awkward to talk to your girls about general hygiene.

Some girls may not be able to afford deodorant or may be embarrassed to ask parents to buy it. Be aware of this. Some families are struggling to keep food on the table, so deodorant and toothpaste could be a luxury. Pick up a couple of extras the next time you’re at the store to have on hand for such occasions. Your church probably has a fund to help with these kinds of expenses, so you may check with your pastor or youth pastor before you stock up. Help girls talk to their parents about their new needs.

Unfortunately, other times it’s just not that simple. Some girls may not pick up the general message. Adolescence is rough. It’s even rougher if you haven’t quite mastered the art of hygiene. You may need to take some girls aside to talk to them one-to-one. Be careful to approach her out of love. Have a few supplies ready when you talk to her to ensure that she has the tools needed to implement your suggestions. Share a personal experience about your own adolescence and realizing that you needed to use deodorant.

Have a pleasant smelling summer!