Period Power: A Crash Course in How to Have a Healthy Period For Girls

Period Power by The Period Lab is a 4-hour course for girls aged 9 to 14, designed to teach them everything we wish we had learned in high school about their periods. This course goes beyond just the basics, providing comprehensive education in a fun, engaging, and empowering way. We cover all aspects of menstrual health, from understanding the menstrual cycle and recognizing its different phases to managing periods with the right products, practicing self-care, and addressing the emotional aspects of menstruation.

The course includes interactive activities like the "Cycle Stages Relay," where girls learn about the stages of the menstrual cycle through a fun relay race, and the "Period Product Exploration," which lets them explore different menstrual products hands-on. We also incorporate mindfulness exercises and body positivity discussions to help them embrace their bodies with confidence and self-love. By the end of the course, the girls will not only understand how to manage their periods but also feel empowered to advocate for their health and well-being.

Our course is rooted in personal experience and a deep understanding of the challenges young girls face. We’ve created an environment where girls can openly discuss their questions and concerns, breaking down the stigma around menstruation. Our approach is holistic, blending practical knowledge with emotional support, ensuring that each participant leaves feeling informed, confident, and empowered. We don’t just teach about periods; we inspire a positive, lifelong relationship with their bodies. This is the education we wish we had, and we’re committed to making it available to the next generation.

Below is the itinerary for the day, along with some exciting details about what each participant will take home.

• Activity: Warm welcome and overview of the day’s plan.
• Goal: Make everyone feel comfortable and excited about the day. Briefly introduce the purpose of the course and the importance of understanding their bodies.
  

• Set-Up: Give each pair a myth on a card to discuss whether it’s true or false.
• Goal: Start breaking the ice and debunk common myths about periods together. Open the floor to discuss why these myths are false and replace them with facts.
  

• Activity: Relay-style cycle education and period colors experiment.
• Set-Up: Set up stations to represent each stage of the menstrual cycle (menstruation, follicular, ovulation, luteal). At each station, girls learn a fact about that stage and complete a fun relay-style game.
• Experiment: Show different colors of water in clear jars to represent various period colors. Explain what each color could indicate about health and how to identify if anything needs attention.
• Goal: Help the girls understand the different phases of their cycle and what to expect, while normalizing conversations about period health.
  

• Activity: Light snacks will be provided
• Goal: Provide a moment to chat, recharge, and foster connections between the girls.
  

• Activity: Stations with different period products like pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear.
• Set-Up: Have a facilitator at each station to answer questions and demonstrate how each product is used. Encourage girls to explore and ask questions without hesitation.
• Goal: Familiarize the girls with different period products, normalize trying new things, and empower them to choose what works best for their bodies.
  

• Activity: Emotion Charades & Self-Care Tips
• Set-Up: Girls pick a slip of paper with an emotion (happy, sad, frustrated, tired, etc.) and act it out. Lead into a discussion about how emotions can change during the cycle and what self-care techniques help.
• Discussion Points: Talk about the importance of balanced nutrition, hydration, sleep, and gentle exercise. Discuss breathing techniques and how placing hands where anxiety or anger feels strongest can help calm the body.
• Goal: Teach the girls that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions during their cycle and empower them with self-regulation techniques.
  

• Activity: Positive Affirmation Poster Making
• Set-Up: Provide large sheets of paper, markers, and art supplies. Encourage the girls to create posters with positive affirmations about their bodies and their periods.
• Discussion Points: Talk about embracing the changes that come with puberty and the importance of respecting and loving their bodies.
• Group Sharing: Create a safe space for girls to share their posters or talk about what makes them feel strong and beautiful. Use prompts like “What’s one thing you love about your body?” or “What’s one affirmation you want to remember during your period?”
• Goal: Reinforce self-love and body confidence while building a supportive environment among the group.
  

• Activity: Final Circle of Strength
• Set-Up: Have the girls stand or sit in a circle. Ask each girl to share one thing they learned or one thing they feel more confident about after the course.
• Hand Out Goodie Bags: Distribute the bags, highlighting the thoughtful contents and encouraging the girls to use them.
• Goal: Reinforce the main takeaways, express pride in each girl’s growth, and leave them with a tangible reminder of their experience.

• Period Kit: A thoughtfully curated kit with essential period products, ensuring your daughter feels prepared and confident.
• Goodie Bag: Fun and practical items, including a cycle tracking journal, a small comfort item (like a heat pack), and a few surprise treats.
• Parental Support Info: You’ll receive a guide with tips and resources on how to support your daughter through her menstrual journey, including advice for both moms and dads on next steps.
  

We can’t wait to see you at this special event. Your daughter will leave feeling empowered and informed, and you’ll have the resources you need to support her every step of the way.

Host or Publisher The Period Lab