How would you address offensive body odour in the classroom?
I have a lovely young lady from South East Asia in my class. However, she has quite strong, offensive body odour, smelling of underarm sweat and pungent spices. She also wears the same clothes most days.
Her classmates have certainly noticed the smell and while they don’t say anything directly to her, they haven’t been quiet about mentioning the fact that there is a strong odour present.
I have also noticed this smell and it is foul. I feel it needs to be addressed but I do not know how to approach this delicate situation appropriately.
Obviously, this needs to be done tactfully and gently. You don’t want to embarrass her. It may upset her, but maybe she’ll be thankful afterwards.
Talk to your boss first to see if this is appropriate for you to do. You don’t need to get yourself reported or get in any kind of trouble.
Maybe if you had the school nurse talk to her, and that way you don’t have to be the "bad guy"…but still let someone in a higher position know what is going on. That way there is no question and all bases are covered.
Good luck!
April 26th, 2010 at 11:13 am
Obviously, this needs to be done tactfully and gently. You don’t want to embarrass her. It may upset her, but maybe she’ll be thankful afterwards.
Talk to your boss first to see if this is appropriate for you to do. You don’t need to get yourself reported or get in any kind of trouble.
Maybe if you had the school nurse talk to her, and that way you don’t have to be the "bad guy"…but still let someone in a higher position know what is going on. That way there is no question and all bases are covered.
Good luck!
References :
April 26th, 2010 at 11:58 am
You could talk to the health teacher in your school and get her to give free deodorant samples to the class perhaps?
References :