Before She Gets her Period by Jessica B. Gillooly

Short Summary

Before She Gets Her Period: Talking with Your Daughter About Menstruation by Jessica B. Gillooly is an older book (first published in 1998) but still a surprisingly relevant, practical, and nurturing guide for parents. It helps adults understand puberty, period care, cultural perspectives, and how to support girls as they approach their first period. It’s especially helpful for dads who want to be more involved in these conversations.

Age Group

Suitable for parents.

Topics Discussed

Parents

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Buy a Copy

Buy a copy of Before She Gets her Period by Jessica B. Gillooly from Amazon.

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What this book is about

  • Before She Gets Her Period: Talking with Your Daughter About Menstruation is written like a chapter book, offering parents a gentle, thoughtful approach to preparing their daughters for their first period.
  • It encourages parents to start talking early, explaining that girls are getting their periods younger and need information before they need products.
  • The book explores how culture shapes period experiences, sharing fascinating global examples – from different attitudes to creative menstrual care solutions used around the world.
  • It also looks at what it feels like to be an early developer with breasts, pubic hair, and a period before peers, offering emotional reassurance and guidance.
  • Parents will find clear explanations about the physical changes of puberty, PMS, cramps, and the emotional rollercoaster many girls experience.
  • It provides practical tips for how to talk about periods, how to prepare daughters, and how to involve dads meaningfully in these conversations.
  • The book highlights period positivity – treating the first period as a milestone worth celebrating – and gives lots of conversation starters and supportive ideas.
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I hope you find this book review helpful!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath

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Cath Hakanson is a qualified family sex educator, sexual health nurse and author with 30+ years of clinical and education experience. As an AuDHD parent of two neurodivergent children, she creates clear, practical sex ed resources that help parents talk about bodies, puberty, consent, porn, relationships and sex without shame or judgement.