At Pearl & Thistle, our educational resources guide families and individuals in learning about periods, the menstrual cycle, and fertility in age-appropriate ways at every stage. As you scroll down the page, you’ll find stages that build on one another—beginning with simple foundations and growing into deeper understanding and practical applications over time.
Ages 7-12
This foundational stage of body literacy gives parents the tools to prepare children to appreciate the dignity of the body through age-appropriate education on the menstrual cycle.
Core Message: “My body has a language—and I can learn to read it.”
for girls aged 9-12
free video course, girls & boys ages 8+
for moms of daughters ages 7+
for parents of boys aged 8-12
Ages ~12-16
This initial application stage of body literacy introduces teens to the concept of the "language of the body" through cycles, and helps girls learn to observe and interpret body signs related to hormonal changes for health and self-knowledge, not for fertility.
Core Message: “I can listen to my body and respond with wisdom.”
for menstruating girls aged 12-16
all the background knowledge parents need to support their daughters
for boys and girls aged 14+
printable PDF charts for teens
This FAMILY EDUCATION PACKAGE includes:
Made in His Image
The Catholic Mom's Guide to First Period Prep
CYCLE PREP: First Period Course for Girls
What Parents Should Know About (Pre)Teen Periods
Anatomy, Reproduction, & Fertility for Catholic Teens
Buy all 5 products together and save!
Women ages 18+
In this stage of body literacy, fertility is integrated into personal identity, seeing femininity not just as biology but as part of my vocation, either through shared fertility in marriage or intentional single life.
Core Message: “My body speaks the language of self-gift.”
for women aged 18+
learn advanced charting for health with reflections for Catholic women
gather a group of women for study and reflection! FREE companion resource
full NFP program offerings are available for single women
Women & Couples
This application stage of body literacy is directed towards stewardship of fertility within marriage. Couples learn about shared fertility and reflect prayerfully on the mission of co-creation gifted to couples through the complementarity of male and female fertility.
Core Message: “We reverence and respect the natural design of our bodies.”
general overview of Church teaching & method options
learn about method options offered by Pearl & Thistle team members and book personalized instruction
helping couples understanding and navigate cycle changes, together!
general overview of charting and method options: FREE resource
quick overview of common cycle changes to see in perimenopause
feeling called to support others with NFP? This program will help you make a plan and get started!
Moms, if you're thinking about investing in perimenopause education for yourself, it's likely that your daughter(s) may be ready for some cycle education, too! This bundle includes our two best-selling programs:
CYCLE PREP: First Period Course for Girls
PERIMENOPAUSE PREP: Navigating NFP with Shifting Fertility
Buy them together and save!