How did you come up with the name Raising Flora?

Flora is a Roman Goddess associated with flowers, spring and growth. Like tender shoots just coming up, our tweens are in their own springtime so Flora represents a special association with newness and growth. Flora also reminds us that our menstrual cycles are closely connected with nature and the cycles that guide every living thing. There is so much diversity in the world’s flora which is a lovely metaphor for our tweens and their first period experiences and it offers so many beautiful images. Raising is a word often used related to parenting so that’s a clue about who this is for and I resonate with its meaning to “lift up” our tweens. Also, the words are fun to say!

Why do you use the word tween?

“Tween” is an easy shorthand that encompasses the life stage between child and teen when most are getting ready to start menstruating. I thought about using “tweens and teens” but that was too many words to use over and over. Tween is also gender inclusive without being clinical. And when Raising Flora grows to engage other important adults, tween will still be applicable.

Why do you refer to first periods?

Tweens need dedicated support, love, teaching and coaching for the first year or two of cycling. While it’s important to prepare and care for their singular, significant first period there are many opportunities with their first periods to give tweens a healthy, positive start to their cycling years.

What does menstruality mean?

Menstruality is a word created by Jane Catherine Severn, a psychotherapist from New Zealand, to name our inner intelligence that leads us from menarche, through the menstruating years and the menopause, to the mature years. Learn more about menstruality, both the initiatory journey and the professional field, from The Red School.

What about dads and other important adults in a tween's life?

It’s time we end the shame and stigma around menstruation and restore a connection to our cycles. One way we can do this is to give tweens a healthy, positive start. Moms * are the most influential person in a tween’s life when it comes to learning about, experiencing and celebrating menstruation and are in a powerful position to lead the way toward a less shamey and more open and meaningful experience. Collaborating with moms gives the best opportunity to influence as many tweens as possible. As a mom myself, it was also a logical, comfortable starting place. Dads are important in a tween’s life and I grew up with a single dad so I understand why people ask this question. I hope to expand to reach more people in the future! We all - aunties, siblings, parents, coaches, cousins, grandparents, teachers, friends - have a valuable role to play in giving tweens a healthy, positive start and in ending menstrual shame and stigma.

* I realize that while tween is gender inclusive, mom and dad aren’t. We’re in a dynamic moment as our culture and language evolves and I don’t yet have other words that are inclusive and also aren’t clinical or impersonal. I’m open to learning and suggestions.

Where can I get help with paying or scheduling?

If you have any questions or need help with Raising Flora’s payment or scheduling system, please use the contact form to get in touch.

How can I get additional questions answered?

Please use the contact form to ask any questions about Raising Flora. Or meet me for a virtual cup of tea!

Can Liz come talk with my group or organization?

Yes, happy to! Please use the contact form to get in touch with all the details.