This is a story about deodorant.
If you’ve been following along for a while, you know that one of my favorite sayings is “Together we can change the world“.
I’ve seen it happen over and over.
Here’s yet another example of how a small change can have a big impact-and the starring community in this story is none other than my very own.
Bringing Safe Deodorant Into the Schools
Here’s the back story.
In 5th grade all students in our community have the opportunity to watch a “puberty movie”. It’s a right of passage throughout our country for many kids about to reach puberty. The film talks about what to expect as they approach puberty. I’ve never had a problem with the content shared with the kids. It’s age appropriate and reinforces the information that they’re (hopefully) receiving at home.
Throughout the video there is mention that kids this age should start wearing deodorant. There was also mention of using an antiperspirant, which is not safe for any age.
Each of my sons walked away from that 18 minute video with one piece of information. They needed to start wearing deodorant immediately. They even came home with a sample to test out.
The sample was a conventional deodorant filled with all sorts of ingredients that I really didn’t want under their arms.
I wrote about my concerns. Twice. Which prompted discussions with the principal, community members and the PTA.
For many years the state was supplying samples of deodorant for the kids. And then there were budget cuts. After a tremendous effort was made by the PTA it turned out that the cost of supplying a safe, non-toxic, deodorant sample to the entire student population was cost prohibitive. As most of us know, the safer deodorants tend to be more pricey than the conventional deodorants and antiperspirants and many don’t come in sample size.
But the PTA didn’t give up. One of the board members graciously reached out to a contact at one of my favorites-Tom’s of Maine– and they agreed to help out and share their new Tom’s of Maine Wicked Cool! Boys and Girls Deodorants with our 5th graders!
This deodorant doesn’t contain aluminum, parabens, artificial fragrances, colors or preservatives. I couldn’t think of a better product to introduce young children to their first dose of deodorant.
As many of you know, I’ve been working with Tom’s of Maine as a brand ambassador and part of their Goodness Circle for the past two years. I love this company for so many reasons and the list just got longer.
Big shout-out to all the parent volunteers who made this happen and for Tom’s of Maine who was willing to invest in a group of kids. Many times that first sample is what they’ll end up using for many years to come. It’s nice to know that their first exposure to deodorant will be safe.
If you’re looking to find this deodorant, specifically made for teens, you can find it online or at your local Target.
Check out my list of safe deodorants for teens and tweens HERE.
Does your 5th graders watch the “puberty movie”? Do they come home with samples? I would love to hear about it.
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photo credit: Here they come!!!! via photopin (license)