This rad teacher hands out ‘menstruation care packs’ for girls who get their first period at school

Years from now, so many girls will remember this woman as their favorite teacher!

For a young girl going through puberty, getting your first period can be an overwhelming experience.

Although the stigma around menstruation has thankfully lessened since my preteen days, young girls getting their period for the first time today can still experience a wide range of emotions, including embarrassment, fear, confusion and even anger or sadness.

That’s why one middle school teacher keeps “menstruation care packs” on hand to make the experience just a little bit easier for girls who get their first period while at school.

Kristin Heavner, a teacher at University Preparatory Academy Middle School in Detroit, stuffs stylish makeup bags with pads, tampons, panty liners and wet wipes for precisely this moment in an adolescent girl’s life.

She shared a photo of the practical and cute packs on Facebook:

In her post, Heavner explains why she decided to make the packs, which are no doubt a lifesaver for many of her students:

“I have been doing this for a little bit now. I use my old ipsy make up bags and make ‘menstruation care packs’ for my students who start their periods unexpectedly. In middle school this happens A LOT. I put a few pads in the bag and a couple tampons and panty liners, and I also add a few prewrapped disposable wipes. The students know that they can come ask, and they get a really pretty bag with their needed supplies inside. It’s discreet and more fun that being handed a giant pad. I make sure to tell them to take as much as they may need for the whole day. I make a point to ask if they need more to take home.”

People on Facebook applauded Heavner for her being such a supportive teacher and for doing her part to make young girls more comfortable with such a natural part of life.

“I love this so much! What a wonderful and thoughtful idea! You should make it public so we can share!” read one friend’s comment.

Heavner did indeed make the post public, and it quickly went viral, with people from all over chiming in with their support.

“I have no doubt you will be the teacher kids remember many many years from now, for caring and making the most difference,” read another comment.

The only thing that could make Heavner’s menstruation kits even cooler? Chocolate. (And, to take it one step further, maybe she could include this chocolate bar that’s supposed to help relieve menstrual cramps.)