An in-person workshop that prepares girls ages 9-12 (AND you) for the start of menstrual cycles with science, values, and the dignity of women in mind
What parents have to say about
Cycle Prep
...such a helpful workshop that teaches young girls and moms about what to expect from your first period. Sign your daughter up now. She may fight you on it but push through... one of the best things I've done all year!
Cara
This was a wonderful learning opportunity to share with my daughter. One in which we both gained confidence.
Betsy
Having this knowledge before it happens is empowering.
Karissa
So much more than just "what to expect"
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" (plus design your own!) and how to contribute to a culture of girls-supporting-girls around menstruation.
Questions you might have...
Cycle Prep is a workshop developed and copyrighted by Pearl & Thistle, LLC and is intended for girls ages 9-12. It is a first period course that prepares your daughter AND parents for the start of menstrual cycles with science, values, and the dignity of women in mind. Cycle Prep does not cover the basics of charting a cycle. Inquire about additional workshops available for girls (and grown women) who want to learn the basics of charting at hello@andreakault.com.
- Body Literacy (female anatomy overview)
- The Story of the Kingdom (featuring our Hormone Helpers, teaches girls/parents on how the four featured hormones work together to make the cycle work--FSH, Estrogen, LH, and Progesterone)
- Period Products (disposable, reusable, external and internal period product demos/discussion)
- My 1st Period Story (featured teen sharing her personal story)
- Period Blood, Managing Cramps, & "White Flow" (quantity of bleeding--what's normal and not normal; how nutrition and movement are important and impact your cycle; signs your daughter's period is approaching; cervical fluid, and other FAQs)
- Design-Your-Own Period Kit Bag Activity / Adult Q&A time (Girls design their own period kit bag to stock with their preferred supplies while adults get the opportunity to ask their own questions.)
- Creating a Culture of Care (discuss and brainstorm how we will better care for ourselves and others)
- 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 her first period
I am a woman of faith (and in particular, the Catholic 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 Pearl & Thistle's FREE "Catholic Connections" videos.
Cycle Prep is not a comprehensive puberty or a sex-ed program nor does it include discussion on fertility, Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs), Natural Family Planning (NFP), cycle charting, or comprehensive (pre)teen health.
Yes, of course. While designed as age-appropriate for girls as young as 9-12, Cycle Prep is applicable to girls (and parents) of all ages! All attendees, regardless of age, will learn something new and amazing about the beauty in which God designed the female body.
At this time, Cycle Prep Workshops are only offered LIVE and in-person; however there are a couple other options available to you and your daughter.
1) Host your own Period Party and invite up to 8 friends and their moms/parent at your very own home. Just complete this Host a Period Party interest form and I (Andrea) will be in contact with you.
2) Consider going through Cycle Prep with your daughter online and at home via Pearl & Thistle.
Yes! Keep checking this page for updates on additional locations/offerings.
Of course! I'd love for you to bring Cycle Prep to your home, church, or school!
Here's how:
Host a Cycle Prep "Period Party" in your home and invite up to 8 friends and their moms/parents. Just complete this Host a Period Party interest form and I (Andrea) will be in contact with you. The neat thing about this offering is that girls not only design their own period kit bag, they get the option of stocking it with supplies during the workshop!
Host Cycle Prep at your church or school by reaching out to me (Andrea) at hello@andreakault.com.
Yes! Email me to set up a free 20-minute discovery call to learn more -- hello@andreakault.com. In the meantime, here are some ideas to ponder...
Intro to Charting: Learn how you can use your cycle as a fifth vital sign of health.
FEMM or teenFEMM: an evidence-based method to charting one's own menstrual cycle.
Post-Pill Restoration Program: If you or your daughter is considering "ditching the pill" (or IUD), work with me to make it a safe and smooth transition (and learn a whole bunch about your body in the process!)
Guest Speaker (FREE): I enjoy attending church youth groups; popping by to speak with groups of girls in school; or even scheduling time with groups of adult women to talk about alllll the things we were never told about our bodies!
Meet me, Andrea
Hey there, my name is Andrea Ault and I'll be your facilitator for the Cycle Prep workshop! Firstly and above all things, I am a beloved daughter of God; wife to Kevin; mom of five kids on earth, and two in heaven.
My mission is to illuminate the beauty of the feminine design through the lens of the female cycle and the hormone genius. I particularly love working with moms and daughters.
As a certified FEMM & teenFEMM cycle charting instructor and Hormone Coach via The Fiat Institute, I come uniquely prepared to offer an experience that "I wish" I had when I was younger (and one that would have been made better if I had shared it with someone like my mom.)
Thank you for trusting me to offer this education. I am SO excited to get going... and secretly, I know you are, too. ;) See you soon.
If you'd like to touch base before the workshop, you can reach me at hello@andreakault.com.
So many of the products on the market today contain harmful hormone disruptors. Check out my list of high-quality, safe, effective, AND non-toxic period and personal care products.
*The Cycle Prep education series is a trademarked program of Pearl and Thistle, LLC