Supporting Young People Through Puberty

That’s Life Education | Parent and School Educational Programme

Introducing That’s Life Education

That’s Life Education is a Parent and School based support programme. It is intended for educators and parents of young adolescents. It will be presented in the context of factual and age appropriate information on development of the preteen/teen, physical and emotional, friendship and relationship with others. There will be two main aspect to this programme:

Parent/Preteen sessions due to the changing circumstances in the country with the Coronavirus 19 and not being able to have our parent/preteen sessions That’s Life Education programme now focuses on how best to support a parent(s) and be with them and their child (in a virtual way) and work together in partnership to explain the ongoing process of development in their now preteen child. Book a session with Nurse Maggie to guide you, the parent in giving correct factual information on the more sensitive aspects of puberty. In this way, children will learn the necessary skills and develop attitudes to promote caring and respectful relationships with themselves and others throughout life.

Secondly, That’s Life Education focuses on Schools, already well established with school visits throughout the country, both in Primary and Post primary schools for many years.

That’s Life Education is pleased to announce that since September 2020 we can now offer all our school programmes either face to face with school visits or online (via secure webinar) for schools that are beyond my boundary. Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus 19, I have moved the educational content online via a secure online platform of zoom. If I am able to visit in person, the school’s health and safety is of paramount concern to That’s Life and all visits will be in accordance with Government restrictions and public health guidelines.

How May I Help You?

As a nurse consultant for ‘That’s Life’ I am here to provide specialist advice in the field of Puberty, Sexual Health and relationships in the preteen, young adolescent.

Parent/Preteen

We provide a very personal parent/preteen virtual session on “The Talk” to ages i.e. 8 – 12 years approx.

Virtual Session Only Available

Primary School

We provide a personal health and well-being programme in schools to complement the Relationships and Sexuality Education

School Visits and Virtual Sessions Available

Post-Primary

We provide two separate student programmes to enable them to understand themselves and make informed decisions about their mental/physical health

School Visits and Virtual Sessions Available

Welcome to Nurse Maggie’s Parent/Preteen Virtual Session

This virtual session is tailored to both the parent and the child, an area of comfort in your own home on a zoom platform and a quiet time, hopefully uninterrupted. The session will be an hour long if you can give this time. A special time to relax and enjoy with the support of Nurse Maggie by your side. Nurse Maggie will guide the session as age appropriate with open communication on what can be a sensitive issue around puberty.

It’s ok for you both to feel awkward, maybe a bit embarrassed but don’t feel under pressure. Nurse Maggie will use diagrams to explain parts of the body along with pictures to help the session that is tailored to suits boys or girls. Nurse Maggie will focus attention on what to expect from a first period for girls. How to be prepared and deal with a period in school and show a sample of sanitary wear/feminine products and the extra hygiene needed around periods. Alternative pads will also be mentioned. Nurse Maggie can also discuss specific areas that a parent would like mentioned prior to our session.

Nurse Maggie will also cover the importance of normal activities of daily hygiene as their body is growing and sweat and oil glands become more active and talk about daily school routines with heathy eating, exercise and the importance of sleep.

School Programmes

That’s Life is pleased to announce that since September 2020 we can now offer all our school programmes either online (via secure webinar) or face to face with school visits.

Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus 19, I have moved my educational content online via a secure online platform of zoom. And if I am able to visit in person, the school’s health and safety is of paramount concern to That’s Life and all visits will be in accordance with Government restrictions and public health guidelines.

Margaret Crean R.G.N R.C.N Specialist School Nurse

#1. “That’s Life” Primary Schools Lecture 1

Meets the needs of pupils at the specific ages of 8-12 years (5-6th class approx.).

#2. “That’s Life” Post Primary – Dual Lecture Programme Lecture 1

Meets the needs of girls and boys at the specific ages of 12-13 years (1st year).

#3. “That’s Life” Post Primary – Dual Lecture Programme Lecture 2

Well Women’s Workshop, meeting the needs of 14 – 15 year girls (3rd year or older)

Well Men’s Workshop, meeting the needs of 14 – 15-year boys (3rd year or older)

What Our Schools Have to Say

I have known and worked with Margaret for many years. I found her programme with third year students at this school excellent. That friendly and lively way she interacts with the students makes learning fun. The Students benefit from an academic point of view as well as being a lesson in health for life.

The wellbeing programme in the school links in with the That’s life programme. The central focus of the wellbeing programme is to enable the student to make informed choices about their personal, social and emotional development. Margaret opens the door about sexual health, body awareness, relationships and issues age appropriate to this level of student through the That’s Life programme .

Mary Corcoran
Home Economics

St Josephs Secondary school Foxford, Co Mayo

‘Margaret Crean has presented her Health talk to my Home Economics students for the last 20 years . She has done so in a professional and a very engaging manner. She made a topic which can sometimes be awkward for students to sit through into an informative and enjoyable lecture explaining it in simple terms and allowing time for questions and discussion. I would definitely recommend her for any presentation you may be planning‘

Tena Manley
Home Economics teacher Colaiste Muire Crosshaven, Co Cork

‘Margaret has been delivering the That’s Life programme in our school for over 20 years. The presentation is an invaluable addition to the school’s RSE programme and reinforces the learning in the classroom. With her expertise in the nursing profession and her warm, friendly manner, Margaret creates an atmosphere where the girls are comfortable to ask questions to clarify their knowledge. Since the feedback from our staff and students is so positive we are delighted to invite her back on an annual basis’

Marie Therese Gallagher
Deputy Principal of Loreto Secondary School, Kilkenny

‘Margaret opens a conversation about sexual health, providing students with knowledge about health relationships, sexual development and STI’s . Margaret opens a safe environment and encourages questions and participation in class while also being very approachable. There is no judgement or discouragement only sound information and fact that you carry for the rest of your life in your own sexual health. Really a top class teacher!

Gemma Past Student
Boberbue Comprehensive school,  Cork