If your child wants to use it now...LET THEM. Its so hard to get kids into new habits. My dd NEEDS it but forgets it alot of times...just so hard to remember.

Though I would recomend a deodorant from the health food stores. It has been proven that many deodorants and anti persperants contain harmful chemicals that can lead to many problems from cancer to alzheimers. Of coarse the general public doesnt acknowledge this...but do your research on this and you will be amazed at how dangerous they are. My dd uses a gentel oranic deodorant and it works just great for her.

Besides, a child that old doesnt need all the harsh chemicals in commercial deodorants. A mild gentle one works just fine and with no possible side affects in years to come.

However, Iam very much in to organic and healthy things, so am naturally concerned. Some folks think its all a bunch of hooey, to each their own I guess.

I buy mine at the grocery store. You can also buy at the health food stores. They are more expensive (about 5 dollars) but will last about a year.

I teach grade five, and the deodorant issue is a biggie. Out of twenty children easily eighteen of them are at a point where they have started to need it. They play hard at recesses and work hard during gym class. (As they absolutely should!) I have addressed the matter in a frank (but general-no singling out of course) way and had minimal support. A general note "suggesting" this might be a good idea, etc. netted no appreciable results. Although I did get two responses saying basically, "Are you kidding, my kid is only ten. We're years away from needing to start that." (Oh, how I'd love to have those parents try standing next to their children, right after gym period, trying to explain long division while holding their breath!)

I have one or two who now use it. Another two keep it in their gym bags to apply just before gym class.

I tell you, some days, especially in June, all those sweaty little bodies in an enclosed, non air conditioned room with only two tiny windows and no breeze, is unbearable.

I wish you guys could go door to door in my school's community and spread the message. I dream of fresh air, and pleasant smells.

Just had to share.

Hope good smelling days come your way~ :)

Pam

Well-this 10 year old could use some deodorant badly. I didn't think it was possible for such a young child to need deodorant, but they certainly can. I didn't say anything to the boy becuase I didn't want to make him feel bad, but the next time I talk to his parents I think I will mention it to them. So-if your child wants to start at age 7 I see no harm in it. I will talk to my son about starting to use it soon (before he needs it).

Mommabear

Even my teen girls only use deoderant not the anti perspirant. Anti perspirant CAN clog the pores and cause swollen glands and that is how the whole "cancer scare" started. Over blocked pores....

Now in the case of boys..they just smell at this age...my son is in 5th grade. And he and some of his friends DO use deoderant and good lord if they don't smell like wet dogs when they get done playing. LOL As soon as he is done playing outside for the day it is straight in the shower...
I can't wait till he outgrows this stage. Hormones are a wonderful thing....LOL

**note---zinc seems to help with those body odors as well. If you don't want to just give them zinc tablets...a childrens/teen multi vitamin WITH zinc works great.

Could you cite a reputable source for the info concerning anti-perspirants clogging pores or swelling glands? I'm asking because I read an article in a health magazine about two years ago that claimed anti-perspirants had no such effect, even though it would seem they'd have to in order to work. The article concluded there's no known heatlh risks caused by anti-perspirant use unless you are allergic to their ingredients.

Sorry, I typed too fast...I should have previewed before I submitted. I thought I had added the allergy comment to that sentence. So let me state clearly......

there is no link to any cancer by anti perspirant or deoderant use. The only condition that can take place is irritation--which can include swollen glands, clogged pores, redness,etc--- of the area due to allergies, injury, or sensitive skin.

I had to do research on this years ago as my mother in law got my girls all worked up on this when they went to visit her. So all the info I got was from the American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute, our own pediatrition and several random oncologists.

I will be more careful when I post...thank you Lee for double checking me on this.
=)