During puberty, there are physical changes that occur in boys. Here are some of the most common changes:

• Growth: Boys typically grow taller and gain weight during puberty. Their bones get longer and their muscles get bigger.
• Body hair: Boys start to grow hair in new places, such as their armpits, legs, and face.
• Voice changes: Boys' voices get deeper as their vocal cords grow.
• Acne: Boys may start to get pimples on their face, chest, and back due to increased oil production in their skin.
• Genital changes: Boys' testicles and penis grow larger, and they start to produce sperm.

Remember, these changes are all normal and happen at different times for different people. If you have any questions or concerns about the changes happening to your body, it's important to talk to a trusted adult or a healthcare provider

• Preparing for your first period can feel intimidating, but with a few simple steps, you can feel more confident and prepared when the time comes. Here are some instructions to help you prepare:
• Learn about menstruation: Read books or articles about periods, watch educational videos or attend classes. Talk to a trusted adult or healthcare provider about what to expect and any questions or concerns you may have.
• Keep track of your menstrual cycle: Download a period tracking app or use a calendar to help you track your menstrual cycle. This will help you know when to expect your period and give you time to prepare.
• Prepare a period kit: Put together a period kit with pads, tampons, or menstrual cups, and keep it in your backpack or purse so you can always have it with you. You may also want to include wipes or hand sanitizer, a change of underwear, and a plastic bag to dispose of used products.
• Practice using menstrual products: If you plan on using tampons or menstrual cups, it may be helpful to practice using them before your period starts. Start with the smallest size and work your way up as needed. Remember to always wash your hands before and after using menstrual products.
• Talk to your parents or guardians: Let your parents or guardians know that you are getting close to the age where you may start your period. They can help you get the supplies you need and provide support and guidance.
• Take care of your body: Eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep can help you feel your best during your period. Exercise, yoga, or other relaxation techniques can also help reduce stress and cramps.

Remember, everyone's period is different, and it's normal to have questions or concerns. Don't hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider or trusted adult for advice and support. You can always reach out to the Pinkishe Foundation and speak to a ‘Pinkishe didi’ who will love to explain all to you patiently.

When you get your first period, it's normal to feel a little overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. It's important to have someone you trust to talk to and seek help from. Here are some people you can turn to for support:

• Your parents or guardians: You can talk to your parents or guardians about your first period. They can provide you with the necessary supplies, such as pads or tampons, and can offer guidance and support.
• A trusted adult: If you feel more comfortable talking to someone other than your parents or guardians, you can talk to a trusted adult, such as a relative, teacher, or school nurse. They can offer advice and support.
• Healthcare provider: You can also talk to your healthcare provider about your first period. They can answer any questions you have and provide guidance on menstrual products and managing symptoms

Remember, there's no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed about getting your first period. It's a natural part of growing up, and there are people who can help you navigate this new experience. Don't hesitate to reach out to someone you trust for advice and support

Here are some detailed instructions for using sanitary pads:

• Open the package: Sanitary pads are usually individually wrapped in plastic. Open the package carefully, making sure not to tear the pad.
• Remove the adhesive backing: Peel off the paper backing to expose the adhesive side of the pad.
• Position the pad: Hold the pad with the adhesive side down and position it in your underwear so that the wider part of the pad is at the back and the narrower part is at the front.
• Attach the pad: Press down on the adhesive side of the pad to attach it to your underwear. Make sure it's secure and in the right position.
• Adjust as needed: If the pad feels uncomfortable or is not in the right position, adjust it until it feels comfortable and secure.
• Change the pad regularly: You should change your pad every 4-6 hours, or more frequently, if it becomes full or starts to feel uncomfortable.
• Disposal: When you're ready to change your pad, wrap it up in toilet paper or the wrapper from a new pad and dispose it off in a waste basket. Never flush pads down the toilet.
• Remember, it's completely normal to feel a little unsure when you first start using pads, but with practice, it will become easier. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice from a trusted adult, such as your mother, sister, or teacher.

If you get your first period and you're not prepared with a period kit, don't panic. 

Here's what you can do:

• Find a bathroom: Excuse yourself and find a bathroom. Look for one that has a waste basket.
• Use toilet paper: Take a handful of toilet paper and fold it up to create a makeshift pad. This can help absorb any blood until you can get a proper pad or tampon.
• Ask for help: If you're in a public place or at school, seek help from a trusted adult, such as a teacher or school nurse. They can provide you with a spare pad or tampon and help you clean up.

Remember, it's completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed or unsure when you get your first period. Just take these steps to manage the situation and seek help from a trusted adult if you need it.

I'm sorry to hear that you went through that experience. It's understandable to feel embarrassed when something like this happens, but it's important to remember that menstruation is a natural and normal bodily process.

Here are some things you can do to handle this situation:

• Take a deep breath: Remember that this is a normal experience that happens to all girls, and it's nothing to be ashamed of.
• Excuse yourself: If you feel comfortable doing so, excuse yourself from the situation and go to the bathroom. Take a few moments to collect yourself and clean up any blood stains.
• Talk to a trusted adult: If you feel comfortable, talk to a trusted adult, such as a teacher, school nurse, or parent, and let them know what happened. They can offer support and help you address any concerns you may have.
• Address the situation: If you feel comfortable, you can address the situation with your classmates. Let them know that menstruation is a normal and natural process, and there's nothing to be ashamed of. It's important to educate others and break down the stigma surrounding menstruation.

Remember, menstruation is a normal part of growing up, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. It's important to surround yourself with supportive and understanding people who can help you through this time.

Talking to your parents or guardians about your period can feel uncomfortable or awkward at first, but it's important to have open and honest communication about your health and well-being. Here are some tips for starting the conversation:

1. Choose a comfortable and private setting: Find a time and place where you feel comfortable and can have a private conversation with your parents or guardians. This could be in their room, the living room, or somewhere else where you feel at ease.
2. Start with a statement: You could start the conversation by saying something like, "I wanted to talk to you about something that's been on my mind. I started my period recently and I'm not sure what to do next."
3. Be honest: Let your parents or guardians know how you're feeling and what you need from them. This might include asking for advice, information, or support.
4. Ask for privacy: If you feel uncomfortable talking to your parents or guardians about your period, you can ask them to respect your privacy and not share this information with others.
5. Educate yourself: Before you talk to your parents or guardians, take some time to educate yourself about periods and menstrual health. This will help you feel more confident and informed when discussing the topic.

Remember that talking to your parents or guardians about your period is a normal and healthy part of growing up. They may have their own experiences or advice to share, and they can help you navigate this new phase of your life.

If your family is forcing period taboos on you and you don't want to create a major fuss, there are some steps you can take:

• Educate yourself: Learn about menstruation and menstrual hygiene. When you have accurate information, you can better explain why certain period taboos are unnecessary or harmful.
• Communicate clearly: In a calm and respectful manner, explain to your family why you believe certain period taboos are not necessary or are harmful. Share the information you learned about menstrual hygiene and why you believe it is important to follow those practices instead.
• Seek support: Talk to friends, a school counselor, or a healthcare provider who can provide support and guidance. They may be able to help you communicate with your family more effectively.
• Compromise: If your family is unwilling to change their views on period taboos, consider finding a compromise that both parties can agree on. For example, you could agree to follow some of the taboos they believe in, while explaining why you prefer to follow certain menstrual hygiene practices.
• Advocate for change: If you feel strongly about breaking menstrual taboos and promoting menstrual hygiene, consider advocating for change in your community or school. You can start by sharing your experiences and knowledge with others, and encouraging them to spread the word as well.

Remember, it's important to prioritize your own health and wellbeing. You have a right to practice menstrual hygiene that is safe and effective for your body. While it can be difficult to navigate cultural or familial beliefs, advocating for your own health and wellbeing is important.

Talking to your friends about your period can be helpful for sharing experiences and getting support, and it's important to remember that menstruation is a normal bodily function. Here are some tips for talking to your friends about your period:

• Choose a comfortable and private setting: Find a quiet and comfortable place where you can have an open conversation without distractions or interruptions.
• Be honest and straightforward: Let your friends know that you want to talk to them about your period and how it affects you. Be clear and honest about your experiences and feelings.
• Use humor if it helps: Talking about periods can be awkward, but using humor can help lighten the mood and make the conversation more comfortable.
• Listen to their experiences: Your friends may have their own experiences with periods, so be open to listening to their stories and offering support.
• Share helpful resources: Share resources such as articles or apps that help with tracking periods and managing menstrual symptoms.
• Normalize the conversation: By talking openly and honestly about your period with your friends, you can help to normalize the conversation around menstruation and reduce stigma.

Remember, talking about your period is a personal choice, and you should only share what you feel comfortable sharing. If your friends are not receptive or respectful of your experiences, it's okay to step back from the conversation and seek support from other sources.

Period shaming and bullying are not acceptable behaviors, and it's important to take action if you experience them. Here are some steps you can take:

• Speak up: If you feel comfortable, speak up and let the person know that their behavior is not acceptable. You can say something like, "That's not an appropriate thing to say" or "I don't appreciate that kind of behavior."
• Seek support: Talk to someone you trust, like a friend, family member, or counselor, about your experience. They can provide emotional support and help you come up with a plan to address the situation.
• Educate others: Share information and resources about menstruation and period shaming to help educate others and reduce stigma. This can help change attitudes and behaviors around periods.
• Report the behavior: If the behavior is happening in a school or workplace setting, report it to a teacher, counselor, or HR representative. They can take appropriate action to address the behavior and create a safer environment.
• Practice self-care: It's important to take care of yourself during this time. Practice self-care activities like meditation, exercise, or spending time with loved ones.

Remember, period shaming and bullying are not your fault and you deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. It's important to take action to address the behavior and seek support if needed.

Supporting your friends during their period is important and can help reduce the stigma and shame around menstruation. Here are some ways you can support your friends:

• Normalize the conversation: Talk about periods openly and without shame, so that your friends feel comfortable discussing their experiences.
• Offer emotional support: Let your friend know that you're there for them and that you understand if they're feeling cramps or mood swings. Offer to listen if they want to talk about their experiences.
• Share resources: Share resources like menstrual products, pain relievers, or heating pads if your friend needs them. You can also share information about different menstrual products and help your friend figure out what works best for them.
• Help them feel comfortable: If your friend is feeling self-conscious, help them feel more comfortable by reassuring them that their period is normal and nothing to be ashamed of. You can also help them find clothing or products that make them feel more comfortable during their period.
• Educate yourself: Learn more about menstruation and how it affects people. This can help you understand what your friend is going through and be a more supportive ally.

Remember that every person experiences their period differently, so it's important to be understanding and accommodating of your friend's needs. By offering support and being there for your friend, you can help them feel more comfortable and less alone during their period.

Advocating for menstrual equity and education in your community can help break down period taboos and ensure that everyone has access to menstrual products and information. Here are some ways you can get involved:

• Start a conversation: Talk to your friends, family, and community members about menstrual equity and education. Share your own experiences and encourage others to share theirs. Use social media platforms to raise awareness and start a dialogue.
• Advocate for policy change: Contact your local government officials and advocate for policies that support menstrual equity and education. This can include legislation to provide free menstrual products in schools and public restrooms, as well as policies to ensure that menstrual education is included in school curriculums.
• Donate menstrual products: Donate menstrual products to local organizations that support people in need, such as homeless shelters, food banks, and women's health clinics.
• Volunteer your time: Volunteer with organizations that work to promote menstrual equity and education. You can help with events, distribute menstrual products, and participate in advocacy campaigns.
• Host an event: Host a community event to raise awareness about menstrual equity and education. This can include a menstrual product drive, a panel discussion with local experts, or a workshop on menstrual health.
• By taking these actions, you can help make menstrual equity and education a priority in your community and contribute to breaking down period taboos.