First Moon Circles - First Period Education

Give your child a positive, empowered start to puberty and menstruation by bringing them to a once-in-a-lifetime First Moon Circle experience.

Our next First Moon Circle on September 21st in Provo, Utah is for children and their caregivers to gather to learn and celebrate the changes that puberty brings. An empowering, fun, sacred, and inclusive circle that goes way beyond school's basic, limited period education and focuses instead on cycle self-care and self love so children feel prepared, informed, confident and supported to experience puberty and their first periods.

Join Our Circle

"I’m so incredibly grateful for Elizabeth and her First Moon offerings! My daughter and I participated this summer and it was one of the best days of my life, as I watched my daughter leave so excited about being a woman and looking forward to starting her menstrual cycle.

"Elizabeth made the girls feel so welcomed and important. The energy in the room was filled with love and excitement. I’m forever grateful we signed up and would recommend it to everyone!!"

-Natalie, parent

About First Moon Circles

Your child will love this beautiful, magical activity where they can learn all about how they can look after themselves as they grow up. Covering self-care, and how to get the best out of their cycle superpowers as they enter their menstruating years, First Moon Circles are a fun and enjoyable way for kids to learn, play, and feel supported at a pivotal time in their lives.

 

Your child will receive a beautiful gift bag full of cycle-supporting products and their own beaded bracelet that they'll make with you during the session to remind them of what they learn. Plus a 22-page booklet that explains all the knowledge and wisdom they'll need to support them through puberty and into adulthood.

 

Parents, you'll probably learn something in this special circle too—even if you've had decades of menstrual cycles yourself!

 

The final part of this session is a beautiful Wisdom Sharing Ceremony where you can gift your child advice, wishes and show you're supporting them as they grow up.

What to Expect at a First Moon Circle

We start with a two-hour experience just for the children to come together, have fun, make new friends, and learn accurate information about what's happening to their physical body, as well as their emotional and spiritual selves as they approach and encounter menarche (their very first period, or first moon).

 

During this time we'll talk about all the physical changes come with the female reproductive system, what's normal and not so normal, we'll talk self-care and hygiene, and how to handle surprise blood (because you just know they'll be at school or camp when it arrives!).

 

We'll also get hands-on and playful with natural, healthy and organic sanitary items such as pads and liners, menstrual cups, menstrual discs, tampons, and period underwear, helping kids get really comfortable with the products and relaxed about caring for themselves gently when their first period arrives.

 

After the children's session, you, her mother or caregiver, are then invited to join us for a short afternoon tea to celebrate this beautiful rite of passage and to pave the way for you and your child be able to speak freely, comfortably, and openly at home over the months to come.

 

We'll bead a bracelet to help the kids understand the concept of a monthly cycle, and to remind them of this day for years to come. The grand finale is a special Wisdom Sharing Ceremony where the elders are invited to share positive guidance and beautiful wishes they have for the kids in their lifetime.

 

Each child will leave feeling more confident in their knowledge of changes and growth to come, what the sanitary and self-care options open to them are based on their personal preference, and very importantly, an open channel to discuss periods and puberty (and who knows what else!) with their family afterwards. If friends attend together, then of course they gain the added benefit of sisterhood and community, having this shared experience to refer back to, and to share wisdom with their other friends.

Come Experience The Magic

What's Included?

Topics covered include:

  • What puberty and periods are and what happens in their bodies as they grow.
  • What is healthy and normal, and when and how to ask for help.
  • How to choose and use different menstrual products.
  • What the menstrual cycle is versus a period, and how to navigate changing moods, energies, capacities, strengths and vulnerabilities in each cycle phase.
  • Menstrual cycle self-care.
  • Carer-child blessing to support your relationship and period positivity at home.

Each child will receive:

  • A take-home gift bag featuring her own first period kit (a combination of sanitary samples, and beautiful self-care items to remind them of this special day)
  • A 22-page keepsake color illustrated guidebook written for children full of the wisdom and knowledge to remember what they've learned to come back to again and again.
  • Plus their own handmade beaded bracelet to remind them of the magic of their cycle and self-care.

Once you book your child to attend, I'll send you some information to prepare you, the parent/caregiver, ahead of the day, as well as to help you prepare your child for what to expect. I'll also share guidance with you on how to prepare your positive guidance that you want to share with your child on the day, which in turn will support you to keep this open conversation going at home.

Save Your Spot

Mothers Need Support, Too

I know so many mothers feel unprepared to confidently guide their daughter or child at the start of menstruation because they themselves weren't offered support and vital body literacy. Moms need support too!

First Moon Magic: Support Your Child's First Period with Confidence is a thorough digital course designed to support moms and parents as they support their child at this important milestone, complete with three modules and twenty lessons on preparing for the First Moon Circle, integrating the content into your home life, what to expect with teen periods, how to support your own cycle, and so much more!

Your child will look to you for answers and guidance as they step into their menstruating years, and you want to be prepared to guide them. This course is intended for you to be able to support your child far beyond the First Moon Circle event, with practical application for daily life for years to come.

The Answers You've Been Looking For

Meet Your Facilitator

Elizabeth Tidwell is a mom of a young daughter, and a former university educator turned menstruality coach. She is passionate about helping everyone recognize the power of menstrual cycles, and wants to transform the entire culture around menstruation.

 

She loves helping children learn about menstrual cycles so that they can enter their cycling years prepared, confident, and knowledgeable. Learning about how your body works at puberty fosters self-confidence and self-compassion, and helps children feel at home in their body, which is a vital foundation for happiness and wellbeing. She loves the curiosity, openness, humor, and playfulness children bring to First Moon Circles and loves guiding them at this important milestone.

Private First Moon Circles

Did you know First Moon Circles are available for you to book as a private event just for your child and their friends? This way, the group explores the topics together, ensuring they have a strengthened friendship and each other's ongoing support for when they need it. Suitable for children age 8-16 and for a minimum of five children per private event. If you're interested in booking a private First Moon Circle, please contact me:

Private First Moon Circle Inquiries

Testimonials

  • Child participant

    "I got to learn all about my period and body parts for when I need it and so I can talk about it without being embarrassed."

  • Parent

    "My 11 year old daughter just did a First Moon Circle and got so much out of the event. Her and her friends have a support group now, thank you."

  • Parent

    "It was so worthwhile and my daughter is now not embarrassed to talk to me about these issues soI can't thank you enough for hosting these sessions."

  • Parent

    "Talking about puberty in a group of women and girls was invaluable - something we can’t create at home. It will build a sense of connection for my daughter as she grows up and revisits these topics. I found the four different weeks of the cycle REALLY HELPFUL."

  • Parent

    "My daughter really needed this - it's given her more support, a better understanding of the new chapter coming into womanhood and explaining the whole process in a loving and nurturing way. I wish more girls and mothers are supported like you have done for both of us. I’m forever grateful."

  • Parent

    "I'm so glad I attended! It was valuable and personal and delightful, and I now have HOPE that our whole culture around menstruality education and care can really transform. I'm so happy for the girls who will never be taught that their amazing bodies and cycles are 'the curse.'"

FAQ

Why is there a kids-only session?

I have found that kids are much, much more comfortable and willing to ask questions when parents are not around. So because the goal of First Moon Circles is to make sure that kids are able to learn what they need in order to be prepared for their menstrual cycle, it's best when parents allow them to learn in a small group of just kids.

My child has already begun menstruating; is it too late to join a First Moon Circle?

It is absolutely not too late! They will still gain so much valuable and in-depth education that they won't ever know unless they're taught. And they will still deeply benefit from the support of being held and witnessed at this important rite of passage. It's never too late to feel witnessed, guided, honored, and celebrated at this milestone.

First Moon Circles are suitable for those who are preparing for their first period AND those who have recently begun menstruating.

Is there any religious content included?

None at all. The focus of a First Moon Circle is to educate and empower children around the biological and emotional changes they are about to embark on. These circles are suitable for, and welcome, everyone from any religious background.

My child is younger than 9 or older than 12; can they attend?

This depends a bit on the individual child and their development and readiness. Some children will be physically and emotionally ready to attend at 8, when they're curious and excited and eager to learn. And some 8 year olds won't have puberty on their mind at all and may be very uninterested. As their parent, you will know better than anyone.

It is the most supportive and comfortable for kids to be in peer groups where everyone is fairly close in age. If your child is older than 12, they may really prefer and benefit from a private First Moon Circle where they can gather with friends their age and learn together at their level.

Of course, these are general guidelines and if you have any questions at all, please do reach out to me.

I'd love for my child to attend but they're a bit apprehensive. Can you help?

I totally understand! This is a brand new experience for them on a taboo topic--that's a lot of unknowns!

Children who have already picked up a lot of menstrual shame from the messages society tells us are some of the children who will benefit most from these empowering, open, shame-free, and educational First Moon Circles.

I've created some resources to support you and your child before they attend a First Moon Circle. Visit the "Preparing for your First Moon Circle" tab in the "First Period/Menarche" drop down menu in the website navigation bar.

Are payment plans available?

Yes! Simply click the "Buy with ShopPay" button at checkout.

I don't live in Utah--do you offer virtual First Moon Circles?

Yes, I do! I deeply believe all girls and children need this vital education and unforgettable community support at this important rite of passage, so I do offer virtual First Moon Circles periodically.

To make sure you hear about future virtual First Moon Circles, add your email to the waitlist in the form at the bottom of this page.

I live in Utah but am outside of Utah County. Will you be offering First Moon Circles in my area?

My goal is to reach as many children and families as I can in my local community, including Utah County and its surrounding counties. I'm always on the lookout for venues across the valley.

But the best way to ensure I come to your area is to let me know that you'd like me to offer a First Moon Circle near you!

You can contact me, join the waitlist, and let me know where you're located. It also helps me immensely if you let other families know about First Moon Circles so we can be sure to have a great gathering.

And of course you can always book a private First Moon Circle to ensure your child is supported!

My child doesn't use she/her pronouns. Will they be welcomed?

Absolutely. I want every child to be welcome as the wonderfully unique individual they are and to feel free to express themselves however they feel reflects them best.

First Moon Circles are inclusive, and I focus on biological education rather than gender education. Meaning, I will teach about the happenings of the reproductive system of bodies that have a uterus. I don't focus on "becoming a woman" so much as a child's body growing into an adult body.

I recognize that not everyone with a period identifies as female, and that not all females bleed. Children who don't identify as girls may still menstruate and need the body literacy to understand their menstrual cycle all the same. I bring this awareness and respect to First Moon Circles.

If you have any questions about inclusivity at First Moon Circles, please do reach out to me and we can chat.

Do you accept educational scholarships?

Yes! My Club Red is an approved service provider through the Utah Fits All scholarship program and the Children's First Education Fund.

If your child is a recipient of either of those scholarships, you can use their scholarship funds to cover the cost of their First Moon Circle enrollment!

I don't have a child to attend a First Moon Circle, but I love this work and would love to donate so other children and families can benefit. Where can I do that?

Thank you so much for your support! This work is vital for the health of our community and the wellbeing of children everywhere. We all benefit from your generosity!

To donate a ticket to a family in need, simply purchase a ticket and email me to let me know you are purchasing a ticket on behalf of a child in the community. I will then gift that enrollment to the next family on my waitlist.

Alternatively, you can also donate any amount to me via venmo at LightningPeakWellness.

How do I get on the list of sponsorship recipients?

I keep a list of families who would love to have their child attend a First Moon Circle but require a sponsorship to offset or cover the cost of enrollment.

If this sounds like you, you can use the Contact form to message me about getting on the list.