"Stinky" Situation with Neibhor Friend

You could have a princess spa party and invite this child. A slumber party is a good idea. Have this child bring a bathing suit and then she can have a bubble bath with your daughter. Then bring out pretty smelling stuff like lotions, perfume, and of course deodorant. Make it lots of fun, do her fingernails and other girly girl stuff. Explain the deodorant and why your daughter uses it; include the fact that one should take a bath first! You may not have to ever mention that she smells. The fact that the other kids use it to smell good may be quite enough. Send her home with a goody bag with stuff from the party and with her own special deodorant. Secret has some wonderful smelling ones that release smell when you heat up. This is the only way I can think of to do it with out offense. If she goes back to smelling later then have you daughter gently ask her if she used the deodorant and tell her how pretty she smelled when she used it.

Either the mom knows and doesn't care or may be she is immune to the aroma. I don't think there is much you can say that won't stir up some trouble and you live next door. You are just going to have to send them outside to play. Whatever you say to the kid or mother, it is going to hurt some feelings.

Well avoiding them will just be even more uncomfortable. And your oldest daughter is not even wanting to be around this child and gosh, your whole house smells when she is in your home.

I would, probably just kindly let the Mom know. As kindly as you can. You can even just start off by saying something like "My daughter really has fun playing with your daughter, and I hope I don't offend you... but.... " and then describe the situation.

And the thing is, if you all can smell it, I'm sure the girls Teacher can too, AND her classmates as well. Sometimes this kind of thing can even lead other kids to ostracize the child and tease and make fun of them. Which is hurtful to a young child.

Perhaps the Mom does not know how to handle it or what to do about it? Maybe she just needs to hear it from someone else, in a kind way, so that she "knows" that someone else understands.... perhaps you can even explain to her that even your eldest daughter had B.O. problems in Kindergarten at that age... thereby, finding common ground with her....?

But as Carla said, feelings might be hurt either way... or she might feel insulted. I don't know...

All the best, it's not an easy situation,
Susan

I can't believe the mom doesn't KNOW. However, there may an underlying medical problem that causes it. Does she look dirty? If she not, and she always looks clean, then it may not be lack of concern from the mom. If it a hygiene issue, I would tell mom that you'd like to discuss a senstive issue with her and bring it up gingerly!

For the sake of the poor child tell the mother.
Poor little girl, I feel so bad for her especially if her own mother does nothing. Please tell the mother and maybe buy the girl some deodorant and body sprays to take home with her as a gift.
PLease Please tell the mother, it needs to be brought to her attention. I feel so bad for the little girl at that age they don't pay attention to if they smell maybe you can give the little gift bag to the girl anyways and then go tell the mother.