Her Period Shouldn’t Make School Feel Impossible
School can be one of the biggest sources of anxiety when menstruation begins.
She may worry about:
“What if I leak?”
“What if somebody sees my pad?”
“What if my period starts during class?”
“What if there isn’t a bin?”
Preparation can reduce some of that anxiety.
Create Her School Plan
- Pack Her Period Kit
Include pads, spare underwear, tissues and appropriate disposal supplies.
- Identify Trusted Adults
Help her identify a teacher, school nurse, counsellor or another appropriate staff member she can approach if she needs assistance.
- Discuss Changing Pads
She should know she can use an appropriate washroom to change her pad regularly.
- Prepare for Leaks
Explain that leaks can happen.
They aren’t a personal failure.
Teach her practical next steps: change her pad and underwear where possible and ask a trusted adult for help if she needs clothing or other assistance.
- Teach Responsible Disposal
Wrap used pads and place them in the appropriate waste bin.
Never flush sanitary pads.
Talk to the School When Necessary
If menstruation is creating difficulties because of inadequate facilities, bullying, health needs or another concern, parents and caregivers may need to communicate with the school.
Yazz® Parent Tip
Don’t only pack sanitary pads.
Pack knowledge with them.
A girl who knows what to do has more options when something unexpected happens.