Learn about the stages of puberty before menstruation

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Get Ready

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What Is It?

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When Does It Begin?

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What Happens?

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OUR MOST RECENT PUBERTY ARTICLES

The Problem with Sex Education in Schools

In recent years, there have been many cutbacks within school systems that have completely obliterated sex education and personal awareness classes for girls. These classes, often approached with rolling eyes and embarrassed giggles from girls, were extremely important, fundamental really – in educating young girls about the ABC’s of puberty – from bras to periods and everything in between. Additionally, there are thousands of girls being home schooled, or taking classes online – which completely removes them from the typical Sex Ed curriculum AND the opportunity to learn about these ‘life lessons’ from inside the bathroom stalls at school. (more…)

10 Things We Wish Guys Knew

To the guys in my life: I think you should know … Times have seriously changed. While women have made great strides toward equal rights, there are still a few things that are still misunderstood about women. In keeping with our theme of the month, it’s time to set the record straight for gals of all ages. To the gents in our lives, don’t stress if you don’t totally understand – the key here is to respect our differences. But if you’re a brother, dad, boyfriend or friend and you’ve made it this far, we applaud you for giving it your best effort. Here’s 10 things we wish you knew.

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Invite Dad to the Conversation

When a young girl prepares to start her period, there are many common misconceptions that may bring about discomfort or stress. Today, we’re here to debunk one of those common myths: that dads are somehow not equipped or shouldn’t be involved in the development of their daughters. We’re here to tell you that this just isn’t the case! And better yet, when a father is truly invested in this stage of his daughter’s life – both sides will benefit. But listen up, dads: if you wait for the moment that your daughter approaches you about the subject, you may be waiting a long time. It’s important that dads realize the role they will play in this stage of their daughter’s lives, and how to approach this time with honesty, love, and support. (more…)

Monthly Mission: Dads & Daughters

Dads can teach us how to tie our shoes, ride a bike, and drive a car. If we’re lucky, our fathers play an important role in many of the milestones of our lives, starting in childhood. But all too often, when it comes to menstrual health and development, a father’s place can become a little less clear. There may be embarrassment, shame, or confusion on both sides – and this can lead to a breakdown in important communication between a daughter and the invaluable support that only her father can provide. As young girls begin to develop, they may start to pull away or naturally try to hide these changes from their dads. The truth is, a dad’s role in this stage is just as important as remembering to put on her helmet before he sends her off on her bike. When a father participates in this formative stage of his daughter’s life, instead of letting her mom handle it, this signifies to the daughter that he accepts her, and will love her as she grows and changes. Because, listen up, dad: this is about way more than momentary discomfort. This is about arming your daughter with the confidence she needs to take on the world, knowing you’ve got her back. And that type of confidence? It only comes with massive amounts of open communication, love, and support. (more…)

#HealthyHygiene: Teacher Resources that Support Young Girls

Healthy Hygiene - Teachers Resources

Whispers in the locker room, awkward conversations with family members, and commercials with veiled messages for strange-looking products. We all knew it was coming. Did we feel prepared?

According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the average American girl will get her first period before her thirteenth birthday[1], with ages as young as eight and nine becoming more and more common.

Only two generations ago, our grandmothers could anticipate this life event arriving while they were applying for their driver’s license, or writing final exams.

As the discussion grows over the causes of premature menarche, the question remains: how do we support young girls and women as their periods begin earlier and earlier? read more…

Developing Daughters

Did you know that today, girls are hitting puberty at a younger age than ever before?

With the age of onset of puberty continuing to decline, many girls are starting this very confusing, hormonally charged phase of life extremely young. According to current research, 30% of girls will start puberty by the age of 8.

It is extremely important for parents to recognize these changes, even if they are subtle – and begin communicating regularly about puberty and menstruation. Even if they are not happening to YOUR daughter, there is a good chance they are happening to some of her elementary school classmates. The sooner you can begin the dialect, the easier the facts of life will be to understand for your daughter.

What Every Parent Should Know About Puberty

Puberty is a topic few parents feel ready to explore. Regardless of your comfort level, it is important that you learn and pass along the basics to your son or daughter before puberty begins. If your child has started school, then the information that follows is relevant now.

Ready . . . Set . . . Grow!

Puberty is the phase of development when a child’s body transitions into an adult body, including the attainment of reproductive capabilities. During puberty, children experience considerable change: physically, emotionally, cognitively and socially. This article focuses on the physical changes. read more…

“What is a Period, Mommy?”

Say it again Last fall I had a conversation about menstruation with my then two-year-old daughter. I didn’t want to; I was forced. Some were amused by its content. Some inspired. Just the other night, the topic of periods came up again. Because I was having mine, and once again my daughter saw the string between my legs.

The conversation started off exactly like the first time, but ended up going in a different, more detailed direction… “Somefeen in your butt, Mommy.” “We had this conversation before, honey. Do you remember? There is nothing in my butt. It’s in my vagina, and it’s called a tampon.” A look of recognition came across her face, and she nodded as if to say she remembered. And then she was quiet for a moment. I thought I was getting off easy this time. But… (more…)

From Tying Shoes to Trying on Bras

Back to School
It seems like the need to be prepared for a new school year arrives a little earlier each summer. Before the first day arrives, there is much to do and many items to buy including:

adjusting bedtimes and morning routines,
purchasing school supplies, and
choosing an outfit for the first day.

If you have a daughter in elementary school, there should be at least one more item on your list: puberty education. While many parents imagine several years between their daughters learning to tie their shoes and needing to try on a bra, that gap is often much shorter. read more…

I Don’t Want to Grow Up

Your daughter has started her period. Now, in the same place where the little girl with bows in her hair stood – is a pseudo woman. It can be bittersweet to realize just how fast your daughter is growing up. As a parent, it is extremely important to welcome the changes and to help your daughter transition into womanhood feeling accepted and loved.

It is also important to try and take a step back and realize what your daughter may be feeling. For so many girls, the onset of menstruation comes seemingly too early in life. Suddenly, they are dealing with extremely ‘adult’ things such as picking out bras and handling periods during a time in their life when they were perfectly comfortable dressing up Barbies and playing outside. In your daughter’s mind, the start of her periods alerts her to the fact that she is in fact growing up. And this realization can be both welcome and frightening for a young girl.