PARENT RESOURCE
TEENS AND PERIODS
EASY INFORMATION & RESOURCES TO CONQUER
PERIODS AND HORMONES WITH YOUR TEEN
HI BRIGHT PARENTS!
Bright means intelligent.
Bright people are smart.
They know their body and they know how to listen to their body.
Bright also means bold.
Bright people are bold and confident. They’re not ashamed or scared of their period or their body.
My goal is to help equip students to make informed health decisions.
It is also my goal to help them to embrace their period as an intelligent function of their body, rather than to resent having a period.
TAKE THE ‘AWKWARD’ OUT OF PERIODS:
I’ve taken the hard work and uncertainty out of the ‘period talk’ for you!
The resources in this booklet will help you to guide your teen through the first few years of having a period with ease… and these resources can actually make it FUN!
If you feel like navigating periods with your teenager can be nerve-racking, awkward, or like you don’t know where to begin, you’re not alone in feeling that way.
This booklet aims to equip you to feel more confident in your ability to make this time of change less daunting for your child.
WHAT'S ON THIS PAGE?
PERIOD CARE PRODUCTS:
This resource includes information about period care products that help to meet the needs of a range of different people.
I have included links to products that are easily accessible for you and your teen to try.
I have included some discount codes for each product.
LEARNING RESOURCES:
This resource also includes education resources to help further learning for yourself and your teenager.
If you have any questions about the products listed on this page, or about guiding your teen through menstruation, please contact me at demi@brightgirlhealth.com
Have fun!
Demi Spaccavento
As seen in:
Proudly
partnered
with:
DEMI SPACCAVENTO
SCHOOL SPEAKER, TEACHER & AUTHOR
Demi has no filter when it comes to talking about periods and believes that we should never be kept in the dark about our own bodies. She believes that the menstrual cycle does not have to be your enemy – it can be your greatest tool for better health and wellbeing!
PERIOD CARE PRODUCTS
SUSTAINABLE PERIOD CARE
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DISPOSABLE ITEMS
More than ever before, there are many different options to manage your period and to suit every menstruator’s needs.
The choice is no longer limited to just pads or tampons.
There are menstrual cups to go all day without thinking about our periods, period swimwear so we can still swim on our period, reusable pads if we prefer external options, and period underwear so we can cut down on disposable products to be more environmentally conscious.
More options means more freedom and more people who get their needs met. Periods do not have to stop us living life!
WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?
Sustainability refers to the way something meets our present needs (eg: to manage our period hygiene) without compromising on the ability to meet these needs in the future or have a negative economic, environmental or social impact. Disposable pads and tampons are not the most sustainable way to manage periods.
SUSTAINABLE AND BIODEGRADABLE PADS AND TAMPONS
The good news is that there are sustainable alternatives to disposable pads/tampons
● Biodegradable and organic pads and tampons
These options are still disposable, however, they are designed to break
down much faster than conventional pads/tampons. Organic options also contain less hormone disrupting chemicals like pesticides, making them healthier for your hormones.
● Reusable options
Reusable menstrual hygiene options include period cups, period-proof underwear and reusable pads. They don’t need to be disposed of so they create far less waste. These options are gaining popularity because of their benefits to our health and the environment.
DISPOSABLE PADS AND TAMPONS:
It is our responsibility to think about the potential impact our period care products have on both our hormone health, and the environment.
BIODEGRADABLE PADS AND TAMPONS
- INTERNAL
- EXTERNAL
- REUSABLE
- DISPOSABLE
A BETTER CHOICE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR YOUR HORMONES
For a more environmentally and hormone friendly alternative, choose pads and tampons that are:
– Organic
– Biodegradable
– Free from dioxins, bleaches, phthalates, polypropylene
– Disclose their ingredients
It’s important for us to make informed choices about period hygiene products. Pads and tampons are often made with cotton that is sprayed with pesticides (a known hormone disruptor) and contain plastic inlays that take many years to break down in landfill. Sustainable options are available like TOM Organic pads and tampons, which are organic and biodegradable, making them better for your body and the environment.
WHERE DO PADS AND TAMPONS END UP?
- IN OCEANS, RIVERS, STREAMS
- IN LANDFILL WHERE THEY TAKE HUNDREDS OF YEARS TO BREAK DOWN
- BURNED IN OUR WASTE SYSTEMS EMITTING TOXIC FUMES
- BEACHES & WATER POLLUTING THE ENVIRONMENTS OF MARINE ANIMALS
PERIOD UNDERWEAR
- INTERNAL
- EXTERNAL
- REUSABLE
- DISPOSABLE
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Period-proof underwear are a reusable menstrual hygiene option, designed to absorb period blood and keep dry without the need for pads or tampons. Period underwear have an absorbent section in them (similar to having an inbuilt pad) with multiple layers that absorb blood and keep moisture away from skin. They can be worn for a few hours, depending on flow. To change period underwear, simply take them off and put another clean pair on.
CLEANING YOUR USED PERIOD UNDERWEAR:
- Remove the period underwear
- Rinse off excess blood on the surface under cold water in a sink or bathtub until the water runs clear
- Put them in the washing machine on a cold cycle WITHOUT fabric softener. They can be added in with the rest of your laundry with similar colours.
- Hang, dry and wear them again!
PERIOD UNDERWEAR FROM
Use code
“BRIGHTGIRL15”
for 15% off
PERIOD CUPS
- INTERNAL
- EXTERNAL
- REUSABLE
- DISPOSABLE
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Menstrual cups are inserted into the vaginal canal, just like a tampon would be. However, instead of absorbing menstrual blood like a tampon, the menstrual cup collects the blood. The cup gets folded up so it is smaller, the tip is positioned at the vaginal opening, and it is gently directed inside the vaginal canal on a diagonal angle. Once inside, it opens up and the holes around the rim of the cup create a seal to the walls of the vagina, ensuring it does not move out of place and that blood will not leak out. If inserted correctly, you shouldn’t be able to feel the menstrual cup and it shouldn’t cause discomfort.
CLEANING THE CUP
A menstrual cups is reusable, meaning it is cleaned after use and used again. It can last you years, saving a lot of money! Because the cup is made of 100% medical grade silicone, it is very hygenic and safe.
After removing, rinse cup the sink with cold water and gentle soap and reinsert.
When your period is over, use the TOM Organic steriliser case to sanitise your cup in the microwave. Do this before reinserting before your next period too.
- YOU ONLY NEED 1 CUP. WASH IT AND REUSE!
- NO NEED TO BUY PADS/TAMPONS MONTHLY, WHICH SAVES $$$
- NO CHEMICALS, PLASTICS OR PESTICIDES
- MADE FROM MEDICAL GRADE SILICONE - SAFE AND HYGIENIC
- DIVERTS THOUSANDS OF PADS/TAMPONS FROM LANDFILL
- GREAT FOR SWIMMING AND SPORTS
- COLLECTS 2-3 TAMPONS WORTH OF BLOOD
- WEAR FOR UP TO 8 HOURS WITH LESS RISK OF TSS
CAN TEENAGERS USE PERIOD CUPS?
(but the short answer is YES!)
REUSABLE PADS
- INTERNAL
- EXTERNAL
- REUSABLE
- DISPOSABLE
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Reusable pads absorb your period without the need for disposable pads and tampons. They have an inbuilt absorbent section that absorbs blood. Reusable pads usually clip onto your underwear and can be worn for a few hours, depending on your flow. When you’re ready to change the pad, it can be rinsed and thrown in the wash, and a new pad is put on.
CLEANING REUSABLE PADS
Remove the reusable pad
Soak in cold water for 24 hours to get out the excess blood on the surface and prevent
staining
Wash in the washing machine on a cold cycle without fabric softener. You can put them in
with the rest of your laundry with similar colours.
Hang, dry and wear them again!
- WASH THEM AND REUSE THEM!
- NO NEED TO BUY PADS/TAMPONS MONTHLY, WHICH SAVES $$$
- NO CHEMICALS, PLASTICS OR PESTICIDES - GREAT FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
- DIVERTS THOUSANDS OF PADS/TAMPONS FROM LANDFILL
- CUTE AND COMFORTABLE
- COLLECTS 2-4 TAMPONS WORTH OF BLOOD
REUSABLE
CLOTH
PADS TO
MANAGE
YOUR
FLOW
USE YOUR PERIOD TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
'THE BRIGHT GIRL GUIDE' BOOK
BY DEMI SPACCAVENTO
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING!
Use code “BRIGHT10”
for 10% off
ebook and paperback
Also available on:
LEARNING RESOURCES
USE THESE RESOURCES TO FOSTER CONVERSATION
AND COMMUNICATION AROUND PERIODS WITHIN YOUR FAMILY
CONVERSATION STARTERS AND ACTIVITIES
PARENT-TEEN ONLINE MASTERCLASSES & RESOURCE KIT
Activities, masterclasses and resources for parents and teens to understand hormones and have the best period possible!
EASY PEASY PERIODS
NO AWKWARS CONVERSATIONS REQUIRED
Bright Girl Health presents the ‘Period Perfect’ Masterclasses and resource kit,
taking the hard work out of teaching teens about hormones
… and making it FUN!
If you want your teen to feel empowered to EMBRACE their period as an intelligent
function of their body, rather than resenting it, then join families around the world and register for the
“Period Perfect” parent-teen Masterclasses today!
You will receive instant access to all material and experience the Masterclasses at your own pace.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
2x 90 minute ‘Period Perfect Masterclass’ videos
eVoucher for a FREE pair of Modibodi period-proof underwear
A copy of ‘The Bright Girl Guide’ ebook – an all encompassing guide to the menstrual cycle and hormones
Access to a resource kit of activities and worksheets for deep learning
Access to our exclusive Facebook group for BONUS resources and a community of support from like-minded families
Unlimited access to the masterclass recordings to watch back as you wish
Use code “PARENT20” for $20 off
Get the latest discounts and information to your inbox!
SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS
SCHOOL PRESENTATIONS
MENSTRUAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
"I highly recommend Bright Girl Health and look forward to having Demi present at our school again."
-Mrs Mellas
Delivered by an experienced teacher, the presentations empower students to understand that periods aren’t scary, but that they can a great tools for better health. These research based seminars elevate body image and self confidence, and equips students with diet/lifestyle strategies for better health and a balanced period.
- The menstrual cycle
- The reproductive & endocrine systems
- Coping with stress
- Building positive body image
- Help seeking
- Lifestyle & diet strategies
- Destroying negative stigmas surrounding menstrual health
- Recognising and identifying reproductive health concerns
- PDHPE & Science syllabus outcomes
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR SCHOOL WELLBEING PRESENTATIONS
"I highly recommend Bright Girl Health and look forward to having Demi present at our school again."
-Mrs Mellas
THANKS PARENTS!
Strong, confident, BRIGHT teenagers who embrace their health begins with YOU!
I hope that the resources on this page will help you and your teen/tween connect, facilitate open, honest conversation, and help equip them to make the best health decisions possible!
MORE RESOURCES:
BOOK: ‘The Bright Girl Guide’:
ONLINE MASTERCLASSES AND RESOURCE KIT: ‘Period Perfect parent-teen eCourse’:
Demi Spaccavento
USE YOUR PERIOD TO YOUR ADVANTAGE
'THE BRIGHT GIRL GUIDE' BOOK
BY DEMI SPACCAVENTO
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING!
Use code “BRIGHT10”
for 10% off
ebook and paperback
Also available on: