Puberty & Period Resources
Practical tools for puberty, first periods and menstrual wellbeing.
Explore trusted resources, practical tools, recommended products and further reading designed to;
Build body
literacy
Improve period confidence
Build body trust & self advocacy
Start where you need
Period product essentials
Period products, period kits and what to keep at home or school
Menstrual cycle & body literacy
Understand the menstrual cycle, cycle phases and tracking
Books, research & further reading
For girls, teens and parents on menstrual health and wellbeing
Presented by a
WA teacher:
Program approved by gynaecologist, endocrinologist, fertility specialist
Preparing for her first period
The best time for a girl to learn about her period is before she starts bleeding
Help her understand:
- what a period is and why it happens
- signs that her first period may be approaching
- what discharge is and why she may notice it
- what the first few periods might look like
which products are available
- what to carry in her school bag
- what to do if her period starts away from home
- who she can ask for help
- what is broadly typical and when something deserves more support.
First Period Resources
First Period Starter Guide
A practical guide for helping girls feel informed and prepared before their first period
Period-Ready School Bag Checklist
Simple essentials to help avoid first-period panic at school, sport or away from home
Period Kit Essentials
What does she actually need?
What does she actually need?
There are more period products available to girls now than ever before, which can also feel confusing.
The goal is to help girls understand their options and find what feels comfortable, practical and right for their body and their life.
Period kit basics
You might include:
- pads in different absorbencies
- period underwear
- spare underwear
- a small waterproof or washable pouch
- disposal bags
- wipes or tissues where appropriate
- a heat pack at home
- spare products for school or sport.
Reusable Period Essentials
More choice means more confidence.
Reusable period products can be comfortable, convenient and economical and many girls love having alternatives to disposable pads.
Looking for support as a parent?
Explore Period Positive Families for conversation support, family preparation and resources for dads and carers
"Shame fills the space where there’s a lack of knowledge.”
- Jane Hardwicke Collings
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
A period is only one part of the story
Girls are often taught that a period happens approximately once a month.
But menstruation is only one part of the four phase menstrual cycle.
Understanding the cycle can help girls become curious about patterns in:
- bleeding
- cervical fluid
- energy
- appetite
- mood
- sleep
- pain
- emotions
- and physical wellbeing.
Cycle awareness isn’t about expecting the body to behave exactly the same every month.
It’s about learning to notice, understand and respond to your own body.
Body Literacy means you can
Notice symptoms
Track your cycle
Talk about it
Seek support
Cycle Syncing Journal
A practical journal designed to help girls and women notice patterns across the menstrual cycle and become more connected to what their body may need. Use it to track your cycle, recognise changes and develop greater menstrual cycle awareness over time
What’s Typical and What Deserves Support?
Period pain shouldn't simply be something girls are told to endure.
Did you know that periods and cycles vary, particularly in the early years after menstruation begins?
But girls also need to know that if pain, bleeding or other symptoms are significantly interfering with school, sport, sleep or everyday life, they are allowed to ask for help.
Body literacy means learning to:
Notice it. Track it. Talk about it. Seek support when you need it.
This information isn’t intended to diagnose menstrual health conditions.
* If you are concerned about symptoms, speak with an appropriately qualified health professional.
Period pain assessments
Period pain
screening
A short 5-question PIPPA screen developed by Canberra Health Services.
Period pain self management tool
Explore Canberra Health Services’ tools for managing period symptoms
Notes for GP
appointment
Download a letter to help you explore the best treatment path for period pain
Books, Research & Further Learning
For those who want to understand a little more...
Good menstrual health education doesn’t stop with one conversation or resource. Here you’ll find books, research and trusted information to help girls, parents and carers continue learning.
For girls approaching puberty
For girls and teens
For parents and carers
Downloadable resources and guides
Menstrual cycle 101
for teachers
An explaination of the four phases of the menstrual cycle
What parents are saying
The Wellwise approach
- Age-appropriate content approved by GP and Specialists
- Celebrates the strength and wisdom of the menstrual cycle
- Teaches practical skills: period care, emotional regulation, cycle awareness
- Builds self-worth, not just body knowledge
Encourages open communication between parent and child - Supports mums, dads, carers and educators
Meet Katrina Christian
Founder, Teacher & Menstrual Health Educator
With years of experience working in schools (and raising a tween and a teen herself), Katrina knows just how powerful it is when girls are taught to trust their bodies. She specialises in girls’ wellbeing, with a focus on the knowledge, wisdom, and power of the menstrual cycle.
Her presentations are real, honest, and empowering—because confidence starts with understanding.