Isn’t it interesting how boys get jealous of those without manners or good personal hygiene? He’s disgusting: how I envy him!
There is such as thing as “boy funk.” Some kids, like adults, must make an extra effort at good hygiene. When I was growing up, the number one role model for kids going through this issue was Pig Pen from the Peanuts comic strip. Yes, that’s most likely where I got the inspiration to draw this cartoon.
I used this one for my kid’s church lesson on envy. I found out that as an attention grabber, you can’t go wrong with mentioning a burp. Who would have thought belching would be such a crowd-pleaser with preteens? (nearly everyone on the planet. That’s who!)
Still, it is no laughing matter when a child comes from a neglected environment or has hygiene issues they can’t control. And it can become a health issue for them. So how do you teach good hygiene to kids worldwide who need guidance?
I am proud that the organization I work for created a solution. World Without Sickness is a program that teaches basic hygiene principles to regions lacking that education.
Basically, it came about when a missionary noticed unkempt children in her area. When she investigated, she found their parents were away for work and had to leave the kids to raise themselves.
Sometimes, a child needs education to be able to address the issue. Other times, a child is a free spirit that isn’t prone to follow simple instructions like bathing or brushing teeth. Some souls have crazy hair and just don’t care. And if I’m being honest, on the outside, I may be judging them. Basically, on the inside, I’m thinking, “How I envy him!”
Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog on October 6, 2015. I revamped and updated it for timeliness and comprehensiveness.
