From periods to boobs: What tween girls need to know

So… your daughter is growing up. Maybe she’s asking about bras, moody for no reason, or suddenly very private.
Puberty is coming – and now is the time to talk.
In this episode, I’m walking you through the 97 most important things girls (or kids with ovaries) need to know about puberty.
The more they understand what’s coming, the less scary it all feels – and the easier it is for you to have those supportive, shame-free conversations.

🎧 You can listen to the episode right here or read the highlights below 👇

Listen now

In this episode

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode of Sex Ed for Tween Parents:

  • The signs puberty is starting – and why every girl’s timeline looks different
  • The one thing that often surprises girls (and why we should prep them early)
  • Why discharge is normal – and a helpful heads-up before periods begin
  • The body image shift no one warns girls about
  • How to explain emotions, cramps, body odour, and more – without shame
  • Why you are still the best person to guide your daughter through all of this

One-minute challenge

Your challenge this week is simple:
Tell your daughter one thing you wish you had known about puberty at her age.
It could be as simple as: “I thought periods would be awful, but honestly, they weren’t as bad as I imagined.”
Sharing your story builds trust – and makes the changes ahead feel less scary.

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Find practical tools to educate kids about sex education in the Sex Ed Shop

Want more help?

Sex ed doesn’t have to feel awkward or overwhelming. If you want a little extra support to get the convos flowing…

Download my free guide:
5 Cringe-Free Strategies to Naturally Start Sex Ed Conversations
👉 cringefreestrategies.com

Check out the Q&A Guides in the Sex Ed Shop
They tell you exactly what to say (and what not to say) when tricky questions come up.
👉 Sex Ed Shop

Watch the video

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More resources you’ll love

  • Puberty 101 Page
    Your go-to hub for all things puberty – including blogposts, guides, and tools to help your child feel confident and prepared.
    👉 Visit the Puberty 101 page
  • The Sex Ed Shop
    Need help figuring out what to say (and how to say it)? The shop is packed with ready-to-use guides, workbooks, and cheat sheets for every tricky topic.
    👉 Browse the Sex Ed Shop
  • My Top 10 Favourite Puberty Books
    Short on time? Here’s my personal shortlist of the 10 best puberty books I recommend most often to parents.
    👉 Check out my top 10 puberty books
  • Complete List of Puberty Books
    Explore a curated list of puberty books for different ages, genders, and topics—so you can find the right fit for your child.
    👉 See all recommended puberty books

Did this help?

If this episode helped you feel more confident, would you leave me a quick review or share it with a friend?

You’re helping more families have the shame-free, honest conversations every child deserves.

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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.