• 12-year-old attendee

    Thank you. You taught me a lot about myself that I didn't know!

    12-year-old attendee

Wish you could...

It's hard, feeling like you may be disrupting her stage of "innocence," but...

...your daughter isn’t going to magically wake up one morning knowing everything she needs to know about periods.

And even if she starts puberty a little bit later, she has friends who will be starting sooner.

If you don’t teach her, someone else will…and it's important for her to receive the strong, confident message you want to give her of her body. I know it can feel awkward, especially if you didn't get that kind of education yourself, but we don't want that fear to bleed down to our daughters.

As her primary educator, you know these important conversations are on you, but you have so many questions...

When is the right time to start? (Hint: It's probably earlier than you think.)

How do I even start? 

What should I say? (And what should I definitely NOT say?)

You know it's the first of many of these kinds of talks - and you want to get it right.

A lot of parents like to start the conversation by sitting down and watching together, but if you just want to purchase the program FOR YOURSELF, so you can feel more confident knowing what to say and how to say it - parents, that's fine, too!

Remember your experience?

Did you feel confident about the approaching changes to your body... or terrified because you had no clue what to expect?

Were you taught about the entirety of the menstrual cycle and the importance of ovulation... or just about periods?

And were you told why periods happen... or just that they were terrible and pain was inevitable?

Our experiences of puberty talks vary greatly, but one thing most parents have in common is that we want the experience for our daughters to be BETTER.

Here's what "better" looks like:

Confident, prepared preteens who actually understand what's going on in their bodies and why

Moms and dads who have the tools they need to support their daughters on this journey

A culture of girls-supporting-girls, not labeling this incredible function of female design as taboo or a "women's curse," but affirming one another in their dignity through thoughtful care

And that's exactly what I teach in Cycle Prep.

A first period course that prepares her AND you for the start of menstrual cycles with science, values, and the dignity of women in mind

Imagine your daughter:

Feeling confident in approaching her first period, knowing exactly what to expect and why

Knowing when things seem off and how to talk to the doctor

Seeing her period (and future fertility) not as a burden or something to just be dealt with, but actually as a beautiful part of God's design for her body

Having a supportive parent who is prepared, informed, and calm about her approaching menarche

This course is perfect for your family even if...

But why so early?

One of the questions I get most often is "When should I start talking to my daughter about her period?" - and people are SHOCKED when I say this course is for girls from 9-11.

"But won't knowing all of this so early, especially that it's not super fun, just make her more nervous?"

Nope. There's more nerves in the anticipation and not knowing. The knowledge doesn't eliminate the uncomfortable aspects of course, but it does empower them to know why it's happening and to actually see it as a good thing.

Because according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, "girls who have been educated about menarche and early menstrual patterns will experience less anxiety when they occur." 

And knowing how our bodies work is just a basic right for people at every age.

*If your daughter is older than 11 but hasn't gotten her first period yet, Cycle Prep will still be helpful!

  • Dr. Rebecca Sweeney
    What an excellent workshop! Cycle Prep explains the complex science of the menstrual cycle in a way that is both understandable and engaging for young girls. Being prepared is key, so I recommend this to all young girls and their parents well before they reach menarche.
    Dr. Rebecca Sweeney

Getting the conversation started

Gone are the days of awkward fourth-grade presentations, in a room full of pre-pubescent girls who only learn about pads, tampons, and pregnancy prevention.

Which is great...but no one ever taught you how to teach your kids about this (let’s be honest, no one really taught you about this for yourself, either).

That's why parents love Cycle Prep - it respects your role as her parent. I teach you both about the dignity of her body and the amazing work that goes on in the menstrual cycle, which then empowers YOU to set the foundation for a positive puberty and future conversations.

  • Cycle Prep Parent

    Although she was initially skeptical, my daughter learned so much from this thorough presentation! The workshop helped her approach me with questions that she surely would never have brought up otherwise (even having had a few body talks before)...The presentation helped move her away from secretive talks among friends towards a more mature, fact-based understanding and appreciation of her body’s rhythm.

    Cycle Prep Parent

So Much More Than Just "What to Expect"

Cycle Prep is broken into eight easy-to-digest modules you can watch together.
(No need for you to prep ahead of time - just hit play!)

Here's what you'll know in a little over an hour (but you don't have to take it all at once!)

ANATOMY

Finally understand what's actually going on in there as we demystify internal female anatomy and the organs involved in the equation of life (egg + sperm = baby).

MENSTRUAL CYCLES

Put meaning to the menses with our unique "Kingdom" analogy, describing the role of four hormones - FSH, estrogen, LH, and progesterone - pivotal to menstruation.

PERIODS

Say goodbye to vague explanations and period anxiety: We break down what it's actually like to have a period, how to use various hygiene products, and what's normal vs. when it's time to call the doctor.

CULTURE OF CARE

Promote period positivity by learning how cycles affect energy levels and moods, what to put in a "period kit," and how to contribute to a culture of girls-supporting-girls around menstruation.

Plus, you get lifetime access, which means you can go back at any time to review as her first period approaches or even rewatch with your younger daughters years from now.

PLUS BONUSES!

The video course is just the beginning - here is everything you'll need to implement it in your own unique family.
 
For You
For Her

  Workbook & Discussion Guide
This beautiful 17-page follow-along guide has tons of activities, discussion questions, and additional info to start conversations and keep them going after the presentation!

Period Kit Checklist
She'll feel extra confident and prepared when she takes this list on a shopping trip and finally gets her own kit ready to go!  

VIDEO LIST

  • Intro + Anatomy - 7:00 minutes
  • The Story of the Kingdom- 11:00 minutes
  • Ovulation is the Key! - 3:00 minutes
  • Period Products to Manage Flow- 13:00 minutes
  • Normal Period + Cycle Variations - 5:00 minutes
  • How Will I Know When My Period Will Start? - 6:00 minutes
  • Creating a Culture of Care- 7:00 minutes
  • Packing a Period Kit- 5:00 minutes

Answering "What's it going to be like?"

in language they can understand
Woman smiling at camera with her hair in a bun, navy blue shirt, and crucifix with the words Christina Valenzuela, Owner and Founder beneath ithi there, fellow mom!

I'm Christina.

I'm a former campus minister, Lay Dominican, and fertility and cycle educator with more than a decade of experience.

But more importantly, I'm a mom.

And like you, my period prep wasn't very extensive, and I definitely wanted them to have a better experience than I did.
 
So I created Cycle Prep with them in mind - but also with you. Because I know that you are the most important educator your children will ever have. And if you feel totally overwhelmed at all things periods, Cycle Prep is for you.
 
It keeps your relationship with your daughter at the center; I'm just there to start the conversation.
Woman smiling at camera with her hair in a bun, navy blue shirt, and crucifix with the words hi there, fellow mom!

I'm Christina.

I'm a former campus minister, lay Dominican, and fertility and cycle educator with more than a decade of experience.

But more importantly, I'm a mom.

And like you, my period prep wasn't very extensive, and I definitely wanted them to have a better experience than I did.
 
So I created Cycle Prep with them in mind - but also with you. Because I know that you are the most important educator your children will ever have. And if you feel totally overwhelmed at all things periods, Cycle Prep is for you.
 
It keeps your relationship with your daughter at the center; I'm just there to start the conversation.
  • Katie Hartfiel, author of Woman in Love
    CYCLE PREP is an incredible gift to moms who desire open and clear discussion with their tweens regarding the specifics of their changing bodies. Christina explains the monthly cycle in a way that inspires awe for the beauty of the female body. I've been an avid fan of NFP for years and even I learned something! I am so thankful for such an amazing resource!

Cycle Prep for Groups

Get a jumpstart on the Culture of Care by hosting a Cycle Prep workshop for your church, school, or other group!
We offer Cycle Prep group hosting options as well as in-person events.

Got Questions?

Can I show these videos in a group?
This course is designed to be viewed at home, so the license covers a single family (which of course means that you can watch with ALL of your daughters!). If you are interested in purchasing a license to show the Cycle Prep videos in a parish, classroom, or other group setting, please visit my Group Hosting information page.
Is this course medically accurate?
Every effort has been made to ensure the medical and scientific accuracy of this information, including consultation with numerous pediatricians who have viewed and approved this course. It has even been endorsed by My Catholic Doctor, where pediatric patients can receive a special discount.
Do these videos cover sex ed?
Nope! We do contextualize the menstrual cycle as a means to eventually carry a pregnancy, and briefly touch on the Equation of Life, which is egg (from the mother) + sperm (from the father) = baby. We do not go into any more details, because we want to focus primarily on cycles and periods. I defer to parents' discernment about how and when to discuss sex, but I also include some suggested resources in the parent download materials.
Does this course teach cycle charting?
This course is designed for girls prior to the start of their first menses, so it does not teach how to chart cycles. If you are interested in helping your daughter chart for health (not fertility or NFP), then please check out my 'Charting for Girls' Handbook and Video Course!
Is this a religious program?
I am a woman of faith, so the Cycle Prep presentation reflects my fundamental beliefs that the design of our bodies is good and should be respected; however, there is nothing overtly religious in the presentation of any of these materials. If you want to teach your children *why* body literacy is important for Catholics, then I highly recommend supplementing Cycle Prep with my FREE "Catholic Connections" videos.
Once I purchase, how can I access the course?
When you purchase a program, you will prompted to create a user Login for the Podia learning platform. Whenever you return to Pearl & Thistle, you can Login using that information and you will be able to access any of the courses you have purchased online.
Can I download the videos?
Videos hosted in this Podia learning platform cannot be downloaded, so please be sure that you have internet access to be able to play them! All PDF handouts and supplemental materials, however, can be accessed and downloaded as many times as needed.

DO YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT BEING ABLE TO AFFORD THIS PROGRAM?

Pearl & Thistle is honored to join with MyCatholicDoctor to provide flexible access options for our acclaimed CYCLE PREP program!

Having access to quality menstrual cycle and period education can make a HUGE difference in the lives of girls and families. So if you’re concerned about being able to afford this program, speak with your MyCatholicDoctor physician today. 

VISIT MYCATHOLICDOCTOR

We all want our girls to be...

Confident, fearless young women

As prepared as possible for all that faces them in life

In awe of the dignity of their bodies

And that all starts with her first period.

Give her the gift of confidence - in herself and in you - with Cycle Prep.

Stop fearing her first period

and be prepared, together.

Ready for a positive puberty? Get started with Cycle Prep, the first period course that prepares her AND you for the beginning of her menstrual cycles and beyond.