Cycle Sisters is a 6-week program for girls ages 10 - 13 that offers body-positive and feminist-based puberty education in a warm and supportive community setting so they can feel prepared and excited for their coming of age time. We believe being a girl and having cycles is a blessing, not a curse!
Over the course of 6 weeks we will explore coming of age traditions around the world, body image, hormones, fertility, ovulation, menstruation, cycle tracking, menstrual care and wellness, and global and historical perspectives around periods. In our virtual classroom we will have story sharing, talk time, slideshows, videos, games, trivia, and lots of awesome visual aids and props!
Next round will be held in person in Sebastopol, CA. Dates TBA.
DO YOU...
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Want your daughter to learn more about her cycles beyond just periods and products?
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Want feminist-based education that challenges the dominant period-negative narrative?
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Want tips for supporting your daughter (and yourself) through the coming of age years?
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Want your daughter to feel excited about her coming of age and to learn about global and historical traditions?
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Want to be able to talk openly about periods products and menstrual care with your daughter?
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Want your daughter to feel STOKED about being a girl and having cycles?
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Want your daughter to have a safe, supportive space to ask questions, share stories, and learn alongside other girls?
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Class 1: Welcoming & Introduction to Coming of Age Topics
We'll establish agreements and logistics for our time together, play some “get to know you” games, and learn about coming of age traditions from around the world
Class 2: Body Image & Media
We'll discuss what constitutes beauty, how to like and love your body, and check out how female bodies are seen in our communities and the world overall.
Class 3: Puberty
We'll learn about physical, emotional, mental, and social changes that accompany puberty for both girls and boys.
Class 4: Cycles
We'll learn all about cycles, ovulation, hormones, and fertility.
Class 5: Menstrual Care & Wellness
We'll talk about how to prepare for and care for ourselves during menstruation and how to manage the changes that having cycles brings as well as options for charting your cycle. We'll look at the different types of conventional, organic, and reusable menstrual products available, and learn about how women throughout history and the world have handled their flow.
Class 6: Celebration!
The girls will welcome their moms to the circle with a potluck, red thread ceremony, skit sharing, songs, and celebrating our time together.
PLUS: A special Moms' Circle where you'll learn the same amazing menstrual cycle education your daughter is getting, tips for understanding teen cycles, and connection with other moms about mothering adolescent girls.
"Do not miss out on this class for your children!! My daughters gained so much knowledge and confidence throughout the 6 weeks. They were both very sad about the class ending."
— Jess, mom
"I've been to many different puberty classes but never learned as much as I did in Cycle Sisters. Caitlin is such a joyful and kind person that I can't help but smile when I step into our circle. I hope I can attend more of these classes soon!"
— Sophia, age 11
"I feel more secure in my body and how it works. I'm not worrying as much as I was. I would tell other girls that this class it really fun and it teaches really important things to you about your body and trusting yourself and a lot of helpful things to know when you're growing."
— Junny Jade, student
“Caitlin is charismatic, passionate, and fun, and the perfect person to teach our daughters about their body and how it works. Having other female role models who bring positivity, education, and humor during this coming of age journey is such a gift for my daughter”
— Tracy Lough, Mother & Midwife
“My daughter is more aware and asking questions that she never has before. She keeps telling me 'I had no idea about...' after each class. This course has provided a wonderful jumping-off point for my daughter and I's communication, making the topic of puberty more comfortable for us both"
— Heather, mom
"Cycle Sisters is a welcoming, enjoyable class that every girl NEEDS to attend. I learned so much! I think it is amazing how strong the uterus is. I also found it fascinating that our cycles have so many connections with nature.
I want to tell other girls that this is a very fun class and the teacher is amazing. And also that it is a very helpful class and you learn a lot."
— Anonymous student
Do you discuss sex in this course?
This course does not teach about sex beyond the basics of reproduction. We do review female and male anatomy, including self pleasure (masturbation), the clitoris, wet dreams, and spontaneous erections. We will have a virtual Question Box that students can use to ask whatever question they wish. Each question will be carefully considered by me before giving an answer. If something seems too advanced for the group, a brief and tactful response will be given.
What do you/don't you discuss in class?
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We DO discuss: anatomy and physiology including the clitoris; male anatomy and physiology including wet dreams and spontaneous erections; masturbation or self pleasure; fertility and the process of fertilization and the means to which that happens: sperm and egg, either via sex or ART
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We DON'T discuss: Sex beyond reproduction, sexual behavior, birth control methods (I may mention them in passing), gender or sexual identity
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We MAY discuss: Reproductive health and various conditions (endometriosis, prolapse); misogyny and sexualized content; birth; and other topics that pique the girls' interest around cycles, puberty, crushes, and relationships.
What if my daughter hasn't started her period yet? Or what if she already has? Is this class still appropriate?
Yes! We welcome girls from different levels of maturity. Regardless of where they are in regards to menarche, this class offers the education they need to feel comfortable and prepared for their cycles either now or in the future.
What if my daughter hates talking about puberty?
Most of the students who come to Cycle Sisters are initially hesitant, but that resistance starts to break down when they learn about just how incredible the female body is. Giggle fits and blushing are totally okay and part of the process! Many parents report that their daughter has an easier time talking about puberty after coming to class.
Will the classes be recorded to watch later?
To ensure confidentiality and a safe container for my students, no classes will be recorded. This course is meant to be co-creative and lively in the moment with what each unique group of girls is wanting and needing.
Do you offer refunds?
If you or your daughter finds this course unsatisfactory for any reason after the first class, I will offer 1/2 back on tuition. Usually it takes students 2-3 classes to really warm up to this program, so I encourage your daughter to stick with it! I have never had a student not return to class.
Do you offer scholarships?
I will have two scholarships available once I reach the minimum number of course registrations. If you would like to be considered, please contact me and I will let you know when these spots are available.
How do I know if this program is right for my daughter?
Cycle Sisters is very much made for girls who need a gentle, loving guide to introduce them to puberty and all it contains. If your daughter is ready to dive deeper into topics like relationships and sexuality, I would recommend she join my teens' class. I have worked with many students over the years, from ages 9 to 14, from all walks of life: girls who were open-minded about puberty, others who looked at the floor and cringed most of the time, girls who didn't really know what a period was to girls who were well past menarche. I aim to let the girls know it is okay to experience ALL emotions and come as they are! I find that girls resonate best with this program if they are at least a little curious, eager to connect with other girls, and interested in tapping into the magic and wonder of their young womanhood.