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Original poster

Help with dealing with periods at primary school

14 replies

Theweedonkeeey · 28/04/2021 13:43

DD has started her period and is the first in her year. She’s quite embarrassed and doesn’t want anyone at school to know. She has pads in her school bag but the school uniform has no pockets for her to conceal a pad on her so she has to take her school bag to the toilet with her which makes her feel self conscious. It’s a fairly relaxed uniform (green cardi, white polo, grey skirt ) so I could try and find some items that do have pockets (preferably that zip and wouldn’t show that there was anything in there) but I’m not having much luck. Any ideas?

OP posts:
spiderlight · 28/04/2021 14:21

Could yo utry to find/make a thin cotton bag that she could wear around her waist under her skirt? Or something like a money belt?

rainingdogs1977 · 28/04/2021 14:38

My niece is in year 4 started her periods , her mum got her some period pants for school, they have worked well . No need to change through the day .

rainbowthoughts · 28/04/2021 14:44

DD has started her period and is the first in her year.

How do you know this?

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GetoffmyUnicorn · 28/04/2021 14:48

I second getting her period pants. There are a few companies that make them now but these are supposed to be the best. She should be able to get through the day and just change as soon as she gets home.
www.modibodi.co.uk/

MrsTaytodarling · 28/04/2021 14:50

I remember reaching into my bag and discreetly shoving a pad up my sleeve going to the loo

CeeceeBloomingdale · 28/04/2021 14:50

Period pants are the answer

DinosaurDiana · 28/04/2021 14:53

My kids primary school allowed girls on their period to use the disabled loo if they want. Packets of pads are left in there.

SpikewasfitterthanAngel · 28/04/2021 15:02

I know she doesn't want anyone to know but it will be worth having a discreet word with the teacher.
I'm a primary school teacher and have had a few girls start their periods in my class. We have arranged for the parent to send in a nondescript PE bag with a change of pants/bottoms, some pads and wipes etc. The bag is then hung on the disabled staff toilet door. She might also need access to a sanitary bin and sink in the cubicle which pupil toilets often don't have. I think it depends what the staff toileting set up is like. Our toilets are individual with locks on the doors (not cubicles) so there are no safeguarding issues.

Thefaceofboe · 28/04/2021 15:12

How about period pants? Or a little bag she can wear round her waist and can be covered by a jumper. Also would it be an option to speak to her teacher about having a little basket of period products in the toilets?

Lou98 · 28/04/2021 15:35

I started my period when I was 9 and still in primary school. I remember being really embarrassed about it at the time (even though as you get older realise there was absolutely no need to be!)

I wore a bra at the time as had also developed breasts and I just popped a pad in to the side of my bra so that I could change it at the toilet, it meant I didn't have to take a bag etc so nobody clicked on. Or as a PP said, if I had long sleeves on I sometimes just slipped one up my sleeve to take with me to the toilet. In the winter if I was wearing wellies I would slip one in to the side of my welly/boot

Original poster
Theweedonkeeey · 28/04/2021 16:01

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I will look into period pants. I did keep her off school as she was tearful, in pain and was actually sick. She’s very young to be starting - I’ve phoned her school who said that she’s the first in her year and they will keep an eye out for her. No suggestion of keeping a stash in the disabled toilet or similar so I may speak to them again and suggest it.

OP posts:
BurningBenches · 28/04/2021 16:02

My 11yo started last week. Starting in primary, even Y6 as she is, just feels harsh.

I have spoken to school, she has taken a bag of "supplies" for her teachers cupboard, just in case, because cycles aren't always regular straight away. Plus she has a little bag for her school bag, with spare pants and some pads.

I've also bought some period pants and a period swim costume as the poor girl has her Y6 residential next month, and although the dates should work out, we all know how much periods love to turn up on holiday. Modibodi are doing teen costumes for £12.50.

BurningBenches · 28/04/2021 16:03

I suggested to DD that she ask to go to the toilet in lessons, then she can access her bag without embarrassment.

rainbowthoughts · 28/04/2021 16:46

I’ve phoned her school who said that she’s the first in her year

Phone them back and complain. They had no business telling you this. None at all.

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