Home | How It Works | Stats Login | Register         Case: Smelly Kid I guess I am still considered a novice teacher because I have been teaching for four years only. I am an elementary school teacher who teaches in a mostly White suburban setting. Couple of weeks ago a new student joined my classroom. He and his parents recently moved from Eastern Europe. His father works at the local university as a music professor. I am not sure what his mother does. He is a wonderful child. Although he speaks little English, he tries to participate in class activities and to make friends with others in the classroom. Couple days after he arrived, I noticed a strange smell around him. I was sure that it was body odor. The other students in the classroom started noticing it too. They started making fun of him. I learned in my multicultural classes when I was at the university that not all cultures promote taking showers everyday, and that body odor is not considered a problem everywhere in the world. Now I have a big dilemma. If I tell my student about it, I might embarrass him. If I sent a note to his parents, I may appear disrespectful toward their culture. But the way he is treated in the classroom by the other students is becoming a real problem. What should I do? Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!) Honestly, I don't feel like you're being disrespectful by letting the parents know and asking if you can assist. However, I would inquire with the school counselor or social worker prior to communicating with the parents. There are many illnesses and diseases that can cause body odor. And some allergies that prevent wearing deodorant. So the counselor can make you aware of any of these issues before you contact the parents. And of course, when you do contact the parents, be kind and willing to help if needed. It sounds like you do care tremendously about the child or this wouldn't be bothering you.