SHELY · Family Education & Allyship
Parent + Teacher Kit
Answer the period questions before they’re whispered.
You don’t need to be an expert — you need to be askable. Keep answers short, honest and calm. "That’s a good question, let’s find out together" is always a good answer.
Six answers to have ready
- “When will it start?” — Usually between 9 and 15. Everyone’s clock is different; there’s no late or early prize.
- “Does it hurt?” — Some cramping is normal. Rest, warmth and a painkiller usually help; pain that stops daily life is worth a doctor’s visit.
- “How much blood?” — Only a few spoonfuls across the whole period, even when it looks like more.
- “Can I play/swim/pray?” — Yes to all of it. A period is not an illness or a reason to sit out.
- “What if it leaks at school?” — Keep a pad and a spare pair of underwear in the bag. Leaks happen to everyone; a jumper round the waist buys time.
- “Can anyone tell?” — No. Nobody can see or smell a period.
Myth → Fact cards (cut along the lines)
Myth: Girls on their period shouldn’t enter the kitchen or temple.
Fact: Menstruation is clean and normal. There is no medical or hygienic reason to exclude anyone from any room, food or prayer.
Myth: You lose a dangerous amount of blood.
Fact: The total is only 30–80 ml — a few tablespoons — across the whole period.
Myth: Exercise makes periods worse.
Fact: Movement often eases cramps. Girls can run, play and swim throughout.
Myth: A late first period means something is wrong.
Fact: Anywhere from 9 to 15 is typical. If there’s no sign by 15, a routine check-up is enough.
Keep-stocked checklist
- A small pouch with 2 pads in every school bag
- A spare pair of dark underwear
- A discreet spot in the classroom / staffroom girls can ask about
- A named adult at school a girl can go to without embarrassment
- A calendar or the SHELY app to track cycles