Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Dirty kid I am a substitute teacher that often does long-term assignments. There is a 4th grade student that always comes to class very tired, in dirty clothes, and often smells bad. To add insult to injury, I've seen his mother and she is very well kept, dressed with all the "bling accessories," her nails done, hair done, etc. I can't understand how a mother can take such great care for herself, and leave the child a filthy mess. How should this be addressed and handled properly? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) As others have mentioned, although this scenario seems a bit odd with the mother being so well kept, it is not necessarily a case of neglect. I would try and talk to the student privately to get more insight on the situation. Maybe begin by mentioning to the student that they seem tired lately and ask a bit about their nightly routine. The student's response could add some clarity to the situation onto whether or not they are being properly cared for. It could be that the child simply doesn't want to bathe and stays up in their room late into the night without mom knowing. It could also be helpful to have a few hygiene products available in the classroom for the student to use.