I remember being on period in junior high and high school and I was nervous, worried, and constantly uncomfortable. It was extremely stressful. Looking back I can’t believe how anxious I felt once a month and now I wonder how I was able to get through a week of school, tests, practice, all the while worried that I would have an accident and be completely humiliated.
I never felt comfortable to ask a teacher or even the school nurse for support. I didn’t even know where the school nurse’s office was located. One thing that stood out to me when I was on my period in my teen years was being alone. I felt like I could not talk about it and I definitely could not ask for help, because telling someone you were on your period was too offensive. That is the most ridiculous thing and such a closed minded ideal of life. As a high school teacher, I never want my students to feel alone, nervous, worried, or uncomfortable.
How do I make sure that my students never feel that way? I have tried very hard to establish a comfortable and welcoming environment in my classroom. And I realized by setting expectations and structures for all students, it makes for a period friendly environment.
- I DO NOT use restroom passes. I will never understand why a teacher limits when a student can use the restroom. My restroom rule is “The Rule of Two Feet”. I tell my students, “you have two feet, use them.” If they need to use the restroom they do not need my permission. First, that trust has given them the respect they want and they return it. Because they are trusted, they do not abuse it. Second, this allows my female students the comfort to leave and take care of whatever they need without really being noticed or having to make a big scene.
- My female students know where they can get tampons or pads if they need to. I have a drawer in my room and they do not have to ask, it is for them whenever they need something.
- I have back up clothes. Sometimes they have accidents, or their younger siblings have had accidents and I have comfy pants and sweatshirts they know they are welcome to use. They have used the sweatshirts to tie around their waists, and it helps them get through the day without embarrassment.
- I have an open door policy and no judgment. My female students know that I’m here to talk and support them. They get emotional and are dealing with so much, that being on their period should not make matters more difficult. Some just need to talk about what is stressing them out, some have questions about handling their periods and how to make it easier, some just want to talk, but none are embarrassed.
- I always have chocolate. My students call it their “emotional support candy” and they just come and go saying hello to get it. It’s there for them to find comfort and know that they aren’t alone.
I don’t miss the years I had to navigate having my period and keeping it a secret. I’m impressed that young females are comfortable to discuss their needs and emotions during such an emotionally driven time. I love that there is no judgment or offended attitudes. Females should always have support and not be embarrassed about being a woman.
