Maiden - A rite of passage for Mothers & Daughters (ages 9-12 yrs)

FAQs

• What age is Maiden designed for?

  Maiden is designed for girls aged 9–12, particularly those approaching or beginning the early stages of puberty.

  The intention is to offer this experience before your daughter is navigating all of these changes on her own — giving her language, understanding and a sense of confidence about what may lie ahead.

  Every girl develops at a different pace, so age is only one guide. If you're unsure whether Maiden is right for your daughter, please reach out to Jenna.

• Does my daughter need to have started her period?

  Not at all.

  In fact, Maiden is intentionally designed to help girls feel prepared before menarche — their first period — arrives.

  We want their first experience of menstruation to be something they understand rather than something that catches them by surprise.

  Girls who have recently begun menstruating are also very welcome.

• My daughter is quite shy and doesn't like talking about puberty. Will she have to share?

  No.

  There is no expectation that girls disclose personal information or speak about anything they don't feel comfortable sharing.

  We create a gentle environment where girls can participate in their own way. There will be conversation, creativity, movement, activities, questions and play throughout the two days.

  Often simply hearing other girls asking the questions they were wondering themselves can be incredibly reassuring.

• What will the girls learn about?

  Across the two days we'll explore topics including:

  • the changing female body

  • puberty and menstruation

  • emotions and the developing inner world

  • friendships, belonging and sisterhood

  • body confidence and self-worth

  • Hygiene

  • personal boundaries

  • self-respect and self-trust

  • growing responsibility

  • who I am and who I am becoming

  Everything is presented in an age-appropriate, grounded and respectful way.

• Is this a sex education program?

  No.

  Maiden complements the conversations and education girls may receive at home and school, but its purpose is broader.

  This is a rite of passage experience designed to help girls understand and positively meet the transition from childhood into adolescence.

  Alongside practical information about puberty and menstruation, we explore the emotional, relational and personal changes that can accompany growing up.

  I don't want my daughter to feel like we're rushing her into becoming a woman. Is Maiden still appropriate?

  Absolutely — and this is an important part of our philosophy.

  Maiden is not about asking girls to grow up before they're ready.

  Childhood is precious and deserves to be protected.

  We are simply acknowledging that change will come and giving our girls a strong foundation from which to meet it.

  Preparing a girl for adolescence doesn't take away her childhood. It lets her know that when change arrives, she doesn't have to be afraid of it or navigate it alone.

• Why is there a Mothers Gathering?

  Because our daughters aren't the only ones moving through a transition.

  Many of us entered puberty and experienced our first period without ceremony, preparation or meaningful conversation. Some of us carry beautiful memories; others carry embarrassment, confusion, shame or silence.

  The Mothers Gathering gives us an opportunity to reflect on what we were given, what we weren't given, and what we consciously want to pass on differently.

  You don't need to have everything figured out before you come.

  This is a space for mothers to prepare too.

• Do mothers attend the girls' sessions?

  No. The girls will spend Monday and Tuesday with Jenna and the Maiden circle at Luminary Soul Space in Long Jetty.

  The mothers gather separately on Sunday 15 November from 3–5pm at Jenna's home in Bateau Bay.

  This allows the mothers to prepare first and then gives the girls their own space to build trust, connection and sisterhood together.

• What if I can't attend the Mothers Gathering?

  The Mothers Gathering is an important part of the Maiden experience, so we strongly encourage mothers to attend wherever possible.

  If circumstances make this genuinely difficult, please contact Jenna before booking and we can talk through your situation.

• Can another significant woman attend the Mothers Gathering instead of Mum?

  We understand that every family looks different.

  A trusted female caregiver or significant woman in your daughter's life may be able to participate where Mum cannot. Please contact Jenna beforehand so we can make sure the experience feels right for your daughter and the wider group.

• Why is this particular Maiden program only for the Central Coast Montessori community?

  This first Maiden circle is intentionally being offered within our existing Montessori community.

  There is something beautiful about girls experiencing this transition alongside other girls they already know — and may continue growing alongside for years to come.

  Our hope is that the connection doesn't end when Maiden finishes.

  We're creating the beginnings of a village around our girls as they enter adolescence — and around their mothers too.

• What if my daughter doesn't know the other girls well?

  That's completely okay.

  While the girls share a wider school community, they don't need to already be close friends.

  Part of the experience is creating a new kind of connection — one where girls can discover that many of the questions, worries and experiences they have around growing up are shared by others.

• What should my daughter bring?

  We will send registered families a simple preparation email before the program.

  Girls should come in comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.

  Lunch will be provided on both days, along with the materials required for our activities.

  Most importantly, she simply needs to come as she is.

• What dietary requirements can you accommodate?

  We'll collect dietary information from families before the program.

  Please let us know about any allergies, intolerances or dietary requirements when registering so we can plan appropriately.

• What is included in the $150 investment?

  Your registration includes:

  • the two-hour Mothers Gathering

  • two four-hour Maiden sessions for your daughter

  • lunch on both days

  • activities and materials used throughout the program

  • ritual and rite of passage elements

  • resources and conversations to continue at home

  The investment is $150 per child.

  Families enrolling more than one daughter receive a 20% sibling discount, making each additional daughter's place $120.

• Who facilitates Maiden?

  Maiden is facilitated by Jenna Logan, Co-Founder of Human Rites.

  Jenna is a mother of three, rites of passage facilitator and birth keeper who has spent more than a decade supporting women and families through significant life transitions.

  Her work is grounded in creating spaces where girls and women feel seen, supported and able to approach life's transitions with greater understanding, connection and intention.

• What do you mean by a "rite of passage"?

  A rite of passage intentionally acknowledges that something is changing.

  For Maiden, we aren't declaring that our girls are suddenly adults or "women" after two days.

  We are acknowledging something much gentler:

  You are growing.
  You are changing.
  What is happening within you matters.
  You belong.
  And you don't have to navigate this alone.

  That is the heart of Maiden.

  Every transition deserves to be honoured.