DEAR HARRIETTE: Recently, my family hung out with a family we haven’t seen in quite some time. We had a lovely time together. One thing I noticed, though, was that their youngest child had significant body odor. It reminded me of when my daughter was growing up. She was 9 years old when we had to get her deodorant. No amount of washing was enough to ward off major body odor. I thought I might share my own child’s journey with my friend, but then I worried it could be crossing the line. I feel certain the mom could smell her daughter. They are all clean people. Do you think I should follow up and offer my suggestion? -- Child B.O., Kansas City, Kansas
DEAR CHILD B.O.: You did the right thing, at least for starters. Yes, I’m sure the mom can smell her child’s body odor. Had she asked you for a recommendation, you would have had an entrance. It would be inappropriate for you to follow up and point this out. For many families, it takes a while to figure out how to address the hormonal changes that accompany growing up. Eventually, they will work it out. Give them the space to do this on their own.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)