For over 30 years, Great Conversations has offered classes to preteens, teens and their families on puberty, sexuality, communication, decision-making and other important topics surrounding adolescents.
We believe that parents are their children’s prime sexuality resource and that sometimes families need and appreciate additional resources to initiate and maintain these important conversations about growing up.
Our down-to-earth approach combined with humor and clear factual information provided by health educators is focused on preteen and teen developmental space while honoring and respecting families' traditions and beliefs.
What is The Chat?
- The Chat is a series of five LIVE ONLINE workshops that reflect the content of our in-person For Boys and For Girls classes in a workshop format hosted on the Zoom platform, and facilitated by an expert.
- Each workshop includes 30-45 minutes of live instruction on ZOOM followed by a question/answer session facilitated by an expert instructor.
- An optional class-specific workbook is sent to families with the Zoom Link to follow along with the content.
- Also, every family receives the book, Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? written by Great Conversations’ co-founders Julie Metzger RN, MN and Rob Lehman MD in the mail following the series to keep the conversations going.
- The Chat offers a chance to have new conversations in familiar places, like your home. So, bring along your cousin from Hong Kong or best friend from Kentucky - we look forward to seeing you online at The Chat!
Who Can Sign Up?
- The Chat is for 10-12 year-olds and a grown-up who attend the 5 workshops together.
- All 5 workshops of The Chat are for all genders - preteen and parent.
- The Chat is inclusive across the gender and sexuality continuum.
- Families sign up individually – not as a group or class.
- Scholarship funds are available
What Will We Talk About?
- A Great Conversations instructor will provide medically accurate, developmentally-focused content with warmth and humor that includes instruction, a video, activities, and conversation prompts for families to begin conversations with each other on these topics.
- Our goal is to create opportunities for families to engage with each other and grow in the experience of talking about these topics. Families conversations with each other during class will be private.
- The 5-part series covers how our bodies and brains and relationships grow and change during puberty. We recommend you begin with “BO, Pimples, and Hair, Oh My!” and end with “Being Connected”.
- Your workbook will be sent with the Zoom link on the day of class.
- The Chat is inclusive across the gender and sexuality continuum.
The Chat Workshops:
- BO, Pimples, and Hair - Oh My!
- Beginning the conversation on puberty together - what happens to all bodies in puberty
- Girl Bodies and Beyond
- The unique parts of puberty experienced by people with body parts including breasts and uteruses.
- Boy Bodies and Beyond
- The unique parts of puberty experienced by people with body parts including penises and testicles.
- Being Together: Feelings, Friendships, Families
- How our brains change in puberty, emotion regulation, healthy relationships
- Being Connected: Sex, Love, and Everything In Between
- Attractions/crushes, sexual feelings and actions, sexual reproduction, decision-making
How do We Register?
- Click on the Register button HERE
- Contact our Registration Team at greatconversations@parenttrust.org or call them at 206 789-2306
What if We Need to Change a Workshop Date?
- If you need to adjust the dates of your Series of 5 workshops, simply email our registration team at greatconversations@parenttrust.org or call them at 206 789-2306
Are There Scholarship Funds?
- Scholarship funds are available for all Great Conversations programs. To inquire about scholarship, email greatconversations@parenttrust.org to talk to our registration team.
When Will We Receive The Book?
- To keep the conversation going following the workshop series, families will also receive our book, Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? written by Great Conversations’ co-founders Julie Metzger RN, MN and Rob Lehman MD as part of your registration fee.
- Books are mailed once a month at the end of the month. Families are also able to order Julie Metzger’s book, This is Me - a Journal for Girls when registering.
Who Will be Teaching?
- Our team of instructors are experts in talking to kids and families about the important topics of growing up. We have pediatricians, pediatric nurses, social workers, scientists, health advocates and health educators. You can read about us HERE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions. Of course, if you don’t find the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Us
1. How do I know if my child is ready for your classes on puberty and sexuality?
Our classes are designed for the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social developmental space of typical 10-12 year olds. The content aligns with the recommendations in the Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Kindergarten-Grade 12, written by the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States - in addition, we adhere to other nationally recognized educational standards for this age group. Our book, Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? written by Great Conversations’ co-founders, Julie Metzger RN MN, and Rob Lehman, MD includes many of the topics covered in class.
Great Conversations has been talking about puberty and sex to families for over 30 years and many thousands of families have attended our programs. Our instructors have backgrounds in education, nursing, health, community advocacy, social work, and research - most of the instructors have been teaching these topics with families for many years.
Please contact us if you’d like to discuss this further.
2. My son/daughter is younger (or older) than the recommended age of 10-12. Can he/she take the class?
The content of the curriculum, the humor, and stories are geared for the 10-12 year old. We recognize that younger children often have questions about body changes and also experience changes of puberty. We encourage families to begin having conversations in their homes to meet their child’s readiness and wait to attend The Chat until they are 10. There are some wonderful resources that might be interesting for you to explore together on our Resources page.
Sometimes an older child will do just fine in our classes when they are waking up to their changing body - some older kids have reported that they feel self-conscious they are older than most of the preteens attending.
Additionally, there are resources for older teens on our Resources page.
Sometimes an older child will do just fine in our classes when they are waking up to their changing body - some older kids have reported that they feel self-conscious they are older than most of the preteens attending.
Additionally, there are resources for older teens on our Resources page.
3. Does it matter what grown-up attends The Chat with my child?
The goal of our class is to promote further communication between children and their parents or trusted adult resources. We recognize the diversity of families and welcome a parent, grandparent, guardian, or other close family member of any gender to attend with your preteen.
4. Can I take multiple siblings to one class?
Yes. Because the class offers an opportunity to learn and discuss things together, some families have told us they wish they had come separately with each of their children. We invite each family to choose what works best for them.
5. My child’s puberty experience is not typical to other preteens who will be in class. Will the content of your program still be relevant to our family?
We often have families attend with endocrine, gender identity, and physical and cognitive differences. Additionally, some families attend that have experienced trauma or have anxiety about their bodies or growing up. We believe that every child has a unique story about growing up, and it is important for everyone to have access to accurate information on healthy relationships, sexuality, and their bodies.
Because the experience of puberty is typically attached to specific body parts and hormones, our discussion of those experiences will be also (while recognizing a continuum of gender and sexuality). Our focus is both on what is unique and what is shared in the growing up process.
While Great Conversations covers general puberty and sexuality, we do not include information on the specific health needs of every individual in their specific puberty journey. We encourage families to continue those conversations at home and with their primary health care provider.
6. How will the topics of gender and sexuality be discussed?
We believe that every child has a unique story about growing up, that gender and sexuality are varied, and that it is important for everyone to have access to accurate information on healthy relationships, sexuality, and their bodies.
Gender identity and same sex relationships will be covered briefly and in alignment with the nationally recognized educational standards on these topics for ages 10-12.
Because the experience of puberty is typically attached to specific body parts and hormones, our discussion of those experiences will be also, while recognizing a continuum of gender and sexuality. Our focus is both on what is unique and what is shared in the growing up process.
Throughout our class, there may be topics you wish were covered at greater length, or less, or explained in the context of your family or community values. We encourage you to use the information presented in class as a launching point for further conversations at home.
HOW TO REGISTER:
Trailer for The Chat:
"Is Puberty Weird?"
Check out our
Youtube Channel
Reviews of this class:
How you talk to children was profound for me to hear. Your respectful, matter of fact, health and science-based way to talk to kids was amazing for me to hear. I loved how you taught children they were normal, healthy and brave.
I am 40 years old, and I was caught off guard by how deeply I would experience my child learning such a radically and wonderfully different way to understand his changing body. The class was educational for my child and healing for me.
LOVED this series so much and you all are rock stars. Loved the inclusive language and making the topic not so “cringy” in the words of my 10 year old. :)
Best laid-out online workshop I've attended thus far. Breaking it up with videos, music, allowing questions via chat and then answering - it was great!
Wow! Just watched the workshop, and it was really amazing. I was honestly pretty emotional at how well and inclusively and positively everything is handled/phrased in the curriculum. It's just so important, and formative.
body talk - building body wisdom
A NEW Great Conversations’ online Workshop Series
Let’s change the conversation.
This is no ordinary class on nutrition and fitness. Body Talk is about learning new tools together that help us understand how our bodies and minds work as we eat and move. We won’t be prescribing best exercise practices or teach people what to eat or not to eat. We will build body wisdom to feed ourselves with confidence and engage with movement in healthy, sustainable ways.
For ALL preteens 9-12 and a grown-up. For families who are looking to create healthy conversations around food and exercise. Facilitated by Julie Church, dietitian, and Kara Bazzi, therapist, from Opal Food + Body Wisdom
Questions? email us at info@greatconversations.com
Workshop:
Eating: Conversations to build a healthy relationship with food and trust yourself as an eater
- Tune into your senses
- Understand your hunger and fullness cues
- Personalize nutrition information for you
Moving: Conversations to build a healthy relationship with exercise and trusting yourself as a mover
- Tune into your internal motivation
- Know what science to pay attention to as a mover
- Learn about your unique desire for moving your body
HOW TO REGISTER:
Helpful information about the content, research, and philosophy behind Body Talk workshops:
An interview with Great Conversations’ founder Julie Metzger and instructors of Body Talk Julie Church and Kara Bazzi.
FOR GIRLS
Our in-person classes are currently postponed. Please join us at our ONLINE workshops THE CHAT.
Our in-person classes will resume when vaccines are widely available for 10-12 year olds and our venues are open to the public for gatherings of 100 or more.
Who should sign up?
- Recommended for girls ages 10-12 and a parent or trusted adult
Length of program?
- There are 4 hours of content for both adult and preteen together.
- We have class options that include:
- A two-evening, two-hour per evening session - typically one week apart. We recommend this format for most families. The two week session allows time to process information together over the week, and the two-hour class time is a match for many 10-12 year olds who find sitting for two hours (with a short break) just the right amount for their attention and focus.
- A one-day Sunday afternoon session.This choice is ideal for families who travel from outside the area to attend class and/or who have work schedules that make coming to mid-week classes difficult. This class format is a match for the preteen that finds ease in focusing for 4 hours (with 3 breaks).
How do we register?
- Click the registration button that corresponds with the location where you will attend the class from the column on the right.
Program price?
- The program fee for families is adjusted by location.
Scholarship funds are available for all Great Conversations programs.
To inquire about scholarship:
- Classes in WA/OR, email greatconversations@parenttrust.org to talk to our registration team.
- Classes in CA http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/classes/community/heart-to-heart
What will we learn?
- The goal of Great Conversations’ classes is to provide developmentally appropriate and medically accurate information to support and guide communication between preteens and their families on the topics of puberty, sexuality, sexual reproduction, and other important ideas on growing up. We hope that being together and sharing information in a safe, inclusive environment taught by an expert adds to the foundation for more conversations at home.
- Through a combination of lecture, storytelling, role play, family engagement, and question/answers, the following class content will be covered:
- What to expect and how to care for biological females during puberty - breasts, change in height, weight and shape, body odor, body hair, pimples, periods
- What to expect and how to care for biological males during puberty - testicular growth, erections/ejaculation, change in height, weight and muscle development, body odor, body hair, pimples
- General information on topics of preteen health: nutrition, sleep, exercise, masturbation
- Sexuality, attractions/crushes
- Sexual Reproduction
- Emotions and brain development
- Decision making, communication skills, consent
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions. Of course, if you don’t find the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Us
1. How do I know if my child is ready for your classes on puberty and sexuality?
Our classes are designed for the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social developmental space of typical 10-12 year olds. The content aligns with the recommendations in the Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Kindergarten-Grade 12, written by the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States - in addition, we adhere to other nationally recognized educational standards for this age group. Our book, Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? written by Great Conversations’ co-founders, Julie Metzger RN MN, and Rob Lehman, MD includes many of the topics covered in class. Each preteen goes home with their own copy of the book at the end of the class session.
It might be helpful to consider for your child’s temperament, attention, and focus that grown-ups and preteens sit together during class, that most classes have about 100 people in attendance, and total class time is 4 hours with short breaks.
Great Conversations has been talking about puberty and sex to families for over 30 years and many thousands of families have attended our programs. Our instructors have backgrounds in education, nursing, health, community advocacy, social work, and research - most of the instructors have been teaching these topics with families for many years.
Please contact us if you’d like to discuss this further.
2. My son/daughter is younger (or older) than the recommended age of 10-12. Can he/she take the class?
The content of the curriculum, the humor, and stories are geared for the 10-12 year old. We ask that you honor the recommendation to respect the developmental space of the preteens and the camaraderie in the room as we all learn and grow together.
We recognize that younger children often have questions about body changes and also experience changes of puberty. We encourage families to begin having conversations in their homes to meet their child’s readiness. There are some wonderful resources that might be interesting for you to explore together on our Resources page. We ask those with children younger than 10 to wait until they are older to come to class.
Sometimes an older child will do just fine in our classes but we seldom make exceptions for children younger than 10. Additionally, there are resources for older teens on our Resources page.
3. Can mothers attend the boys’ class? Can fathers attend the girls’ class? Can both parents attend the class??
The goal of our class is to promote further communication between children and their parents or trusted adult resources. We recognize the diversity of families and welcome a parent, grandparent, guardian, or other close family member of any gender to attend with your preteen.
We suggest registering only one adult to accompany a preteen so that the class has close to equal numbers of preteens and adults. This encourages questions and creates a relaxed, safe environment where all can contribute. While this is our recommendation, we invite each family to choose what works best for them. Should you choose to bring a second adult, there is an additional fee. Some families with two adult resources split the class so that one attends the first class and another the second - for this option, only one adult would be charged for registration.
Please contact us if you’d like to discuss this further.
4. Can I take multiple siblings to one class?
Yes. There is an additional fee for each additional child, 10-12 years old. Because the class offers an opportunity to learn and discuss things together, some families have told us they wish they had come separately with each of their children. We invite each family to choose what works best for them.
5. My child’s puberty experience is not typical to other preteens who will be in class. Will the content of your program still be relevant to our family?
We often have families attend with endocrine, gender identity, and physical and cognitive differences. Additionally, some families attend that have experienced trauma or have anxiety about their bodies or growing up. We believe that every child has a unique story about growing up, and it is important for everyone to have access to accurate information on healthy relationships, sexuality, and their bodies.
Because the experience of puberty is typically attached to specific body parts and hormones, our discussion of those experiences will be also (while recognizing a continuum of gender and sexuality). Our focus is both on what is unique and what is shared in the growing up process.
While Great Conversations covers general puberty and sexuality, we do not include information on the specific health needs of every individual in their specific puberty journey. We encourage families to continue those conversations at home and with their primary health care provider.
6. How will the topics of gender and sexuality be discussed?
We believe that every child has a unique story about growing up, that gender and sexuality are varied, and that it is important for everyone to have access to accurate information on healthy relationships, sexuality, and their bodies.
Gender identity and same sex relationships will be covered briefly and in alignment with the nationally recognized educational standards on these topics for ages 10-12.
Because the experience of puberty is typically attached to specific body parts and hormones, our discussion of those experiences will be also, while recognizing a continuum of gender and sexuality. Our focus is both on what is unique and what is shared in the growing up process.
Throughout our class, there may be topics you wish were covered at greater length, or less, or explained in the context of your family or community values. We encourage you to use the information presented in class as a launching point for further conversations at home.
7. How can I know if this class is a good match for me and/or my child with special needs that require accommodations? Are language interpreters available?
If your child – for whatever reason – would find it challenging to sit in an auditorium with about 100 people for a total of 4 hours of class time (with short breaks), or you are wondering if your child is going to feel able to access the content, you are welcome to contact Registration to discuss.
Most of our classes are in public spaces with wheelchair access – please let us know if there are special accommodations for access or seating. If you or your child needs a special listening device or sign language interpretation, we need advance notice to arrange for those services.
We do not have full accommodations at all venues or at all class sessions.
We do not have other classes available in other languages or with interpreters at this time.
Please contact us and we will connect you with an instructor to discuss the special needs of you and/or your child.
8. I want to sign up with another family or with a whole group (like a scout troop). How do I do that?
Attending with other families can be helpful and fun to build conversations. However, we have found that when larger groups of families attempt to organize coming together (for example: an athletic group, a girl scout troop, or an entire class at school), some families may feel like their own timing and priorities for attending the class cannot be honored in the same way. We invite each family to sign up individually. The class is designed to promote the parent-child relationship rather than a group experience, and we ask children and the adult they come with to sit together.
9. If we attend week one of class and have to miss week two, can we make up the second class at a later date?
Yes. If you find you can’t attend the second class, you are welcome to attend any future Class Two on the schedule. For classes in the Seattle, Puget Sound area, simply review the class schedule, select the Week Two class that is best for your family, then contact us so that we can let the instructor know to anticipate your family.
HOW TO REGISTER:
For Girls and For Boys in-person classes are currently postponed. Join us for our online workshops The Chat.
Our in-person classes will resume when vaccines are widely available for 10-12 year olds and our venues are open to the public for gatherings of 100 or more.
Reviews of this class:
The instructor did a wonderful job of including everyone, valuing all perspectives, helping people feel safe to share and used HUMOR! Fabulous. Thank you! Such a respectful, reassuring experience. - Parent from "For Girls" class
I am SO grateful for your class, for opening up topics for discussion with my daughter I never thought possible but always wished for. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. - Parent from "For Girls" class
The humor and reverence for the subject was magical. What a beautiful combination of celebration, laughter, seriousness, and joy. - Parent from "For Girls" class
Fun. Lots of accurate information with stories and CELEBRATION of parents and daughters - growing up together. It enables us to have more of our own conversations as we go along...feels like an INVITATION to talk. - Parent from "For Girls" class
Informative, honest, direct communicated with humor and HEART. - Parent from "For Girls" class
It was really helpful that they were so honest about things so I can be prepared. Is it ok to be a little nervous and unsearten [sic]? - Student from "For Girls" class
The class made me feel normal and like I fit in. - Student from "For Girls" class
The class is funny and makes odd things seem O.K. - Student from "For Girls" class
I liked all of the funny explanations and stories and knowing that puberty happens to everybody. I also loved how funny the class was, and how it really was heart to heart. - Student from "For Girls" class
I liked that she talked in a way that I understanded [sic], had fun, and learned. - Student from "For Girls" class
FOR BOYS
Our in-person classes are currently postponed. Please join us at our ONLINE workshops THE CHAT.
Our in-person classes will resume when vaccines are widely available for 10-12 year olds and our venues are open to the public for gatherings of 100 or more.
Who should sign up?
- Recommended for boys ages 10-12 and a parent or trusted adult
Length of program?
- There are 4 hours of content for both adult and preteen together.
- We have class options that include:
- A two-evening, two-hour per evening session - typically one week apart. We recommend this format for most families. The two week session allows time to process information together over the week, and the two-hour class time is a match for many 10-12 year olds who find sitting for two hours (with a short break) just the right amount for their attention and focus.
- A one-day Sunday afternoon session.This choice is ideal for families who travel from outside the area to attend class and/or who have work schedules that make coming to mid-week classes difficult. This class format is a match for the preteen that finds ease in focusing for 4 hours (with 3 breaks).
How do we register?
- Click the registration button that corresponds with the location where you will attend the class from the column on the right.
Program price?
- The program fee for families is adjusted by location.
Scholarship funds are available for all Great Conversations programs.
To inquire about scholarship:
- Classes in WA/OR, email greatconversations@parenttrust.org to talk to our registration team.
- Classes in CA http://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/classes/community/heart-to-heart
What will we learn?
- The goal of Great Conversations’ classes is to provide developmentally appropriate and medically accurate information to support and guide communication between preteens and their families on the topics of puberty, sexuality, sexual reproduction, and other important ideas on growing up. We hope that being together and sharing information in a safe, inclusive environment taught by an expert adds to the foundation for more conversations at home.
- Through a combination of lecture, storytelling, role play, family engagement, and question/answers, the following class content will be covered:
- What to expect and how to care for biological females during puberty - breasts, change in height, weight and shape, body odor, body hair, pimples, periods
- What to expect and how to care for biological males during puberty - testicular growth, erections/ejaculation, change in height, weight and muscle development, body odor, body hair, pimples
- General information on topics of preteen health: nutrition, sleep, exercise, masturbation
- Sexuality, attractions/crushes
- Sexual Reproduction
- Emotions and brain development
- Decision making, communication skills, consent
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions. Of course, if you don’t find the information you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact Us
1. How do I know if my child is ready for your classes on puberty and sexuality?
Our classes are designed for the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social developmental space of typical 10-12 year olds. The content aligns with the recommendations in the Guidelines for Comprehensive Sexuality Education: Kindergarten-Grade 12, written by the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States - in addition, we adhere to other nationally recognized educational standards for this age group. Our book, Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? written by Great Conversations’ co-founders, Julie Metzger RN MN, and Rob Lehman, MD includes many of the topics covered in class. Each preteen goes home with their own copy of the book at the end of the class session.
It might be helpful to consider for your child’s temperament, attention, and focus that grown-ups and preteens sit together during class, that most classes have about 100 people in attendance, and total class time is 4 hours with short breaks.
Great Conversations has been talking about puberty and sex to families for over 30 years and many thousands of families have attended our programs. Our instructors have backgrounds in education, nursing, health, community advocacy, social work, and research - most of the instructors have been teaching these topics with families for many years.
Please contact us if you’d like to discuss this further.
2. My son/daughter is younger (or older) than the recommended age of 10-12. Can he/she take the class?
The content of the curriculum, the humor, and stories are geared for the 10-12 year old. We ask that you honor the recommendation to respect the developmental space of the preteens and the camaraderie in the room as we all learn and grow together.
We recognize that younger children often have questions about body changes and also experience changes of puberty. We encourage families to begin having conversations in their homes to meet their child’s readiness. There are some wonderful resources that might be interesting for you to explore together on our Resources page. We ask those with children younger than 10 to wait until they are older to come to class.
Sometimes an older child will do just fine in our classes but we seldom make exceptions for children younger than 10. Additionally, there are resources for older teens on our Resources page.
3. Can mothers attend the boys’ class? Can fathers attend the girls’ class? Can both parents attend the class??
The goal of our class is to promote further communication between children and their parents or trusted adult resources. We recognize the diversity of families and welcome a parent, grandparent, guardian, or other close family member of any gender to attend with your preteen.
We suggest registering only one adult to accompany a preteen so that the class has close to equal numbers of preteens and adults. This encourages questions and creates a relaxed, safe environment where all can contribute. While this is our recommendation, we invite each family to choose what works best for them. Should you choose to bring a second adult, there is an additional fee. Some families with two adult resources split the class so that one attends the first class and another the second - for this option, only one adult would be charged for registration.
Please contact us if you’d like to discuss this further.
4. Can I take multiple siblings to one class?
Yes. There is an additional fee for each additional child, 10-12 years old. Because the class offers an opportunity to learn and discuss things together, some families have told us they wish they had come separately with each of their children. We invite each family to choose what works best for them.
5. My child’s puberty experience is not typical to other preteens who will be in class. Will the content of your program still be relevant to our family?
We often have families attend with endocrine, gender identity, and physical and cognitive differences. Additionally, some families attend that have experienced trauma or have anxiety about their bodies or growing up. We believe that every child has a unique story about growing up, and it is important for everyone to have access to accurate information on healthy relationships, sexuality, and their bodies.
Because the experience of puberty is typically attached to specific body parts and hormones, our discussion of those experiences will be also (while recognizing a continuum of gender and sexuality). Our focus is both on what is unique and what is shared in the growing up process.
While Great Conversations covers general puberty and sexuality, we do not include information on the specific health needs of every individual in their specific puberty journey. We encourage families to continue those conversations at home and with their primary health care provider.
6. How will the topics of gender and sexuality be discussed?
We believe that every child has a unique story about growing up, that gender and sexuality are varied, and that it is important for everyone to have access to accurate information on healthy relationships, sexuality, and their bodies.
Gender identity and same sex relationships will be covered briefly and in alignment with the nationally recognized educational standards on these topics for ages 10-12.
Because the experience of puberty is typically attached to specific body parts and hormones, our discussion of those experiences will be also, while recognizing a continuum of gender and sexuality. Our focus is both on what is unique and what is shared in the growing up process.
Throughout our class, there may be topics you wish were covered at greater length, or less, or explained in the context of your family or community values. We encourage you to use the information presented in class as a launching point for further conversations at home.
7. How can I know if this class is a good match for me and/or my child with special needs that require accommodations? Are language interpreters available?
If your child – for whatever reason – would find it challenging to sit in an auditorium with about 100 people for a total of 4 hours of class time (with short breaks), or you are wondering if your child is going to feel able to access the content, you are welcome to contact Registration to discuss.
Most of our classes are in public spaces with wheelchair access – please let us know if there are special accommodations for access or seating. If you or your child needs a special listening device or sign language interpretation, we need advance notice to arrange for those services.
We do not have full accommodations at all venues or at all class sessions.
We do not have other classes available in other languages or with interpreters at this time.
Please contact us and we will connect you with an instructor to discuss the special needs of you and/or your child.
8. I want to sign up with another family or with a whole group (like a scout troop). How do I do that?
Attending with other families can be helpful and fun to build conversations. However, we have found that when larger groups of families attempt to organize coming together (for example: an athletic group, a girl scout troop, or an entire class at school), some families may feel like their own timing and priorities for attending the class cannot be honored in the same way. We invite each family to sign up individually. The class is designed to promote the parent-child relationship rather than a group experience, and we ask children and the adult they come with to sit together.
9. If we attend week one of class and have to miss week two, can we make up the second class at a later date?
Yes. If you find you can’t attend the second class, you are welcome to attend any future Class Two on the schedule. For classes in the Seattle, Puget Sound area, simply review the class schedule, select the Week Two class that is best for your family, then contact us so that we can let the instructor know to anticipate your family.
HOW TO REGISTER:
For Girls and For Boys in-person classes are currently postponed. Join us for our online workshops The Chat.
Our in-person classes will resume when vaccines are widely available for 10-12 year olds and our venues are open to the public for gatherings of 100 or more.
Reviews of this class:
Everything was great! I especially liked how entertaining Dr. Rob was – he presented the information in a fun way. My son knew nothing coming into this class. I appreciate the way the information was presented. It really allowed for us to have open conversations!!!! - Parent from "For Boys" class
Great, light-hearted presentation. This is the 3rd time I have been to this class and still enjoy. - Parent from "For Boys" class
Handled really tough topics in a super friendly way. Also led to amazing conversations in the car afterward. - Parent from "For Boys" class
Great class, great message, and well presented. Best part was overall presentation style. Focus on respect and normal was appreciated. - Parent from "For Boys" class
As a single mother raising a son alone it was very helpful to help me understand what will happen and some of what I can expect. Thank you it was terrific. - Parent from "For Boys" class
I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the presentation. - Student from "For Boys" class
Now I’m not so scared about growing up as I was before I came to class. - Student from "For Boys" class
I liked learning about girls. Treat girls well. - Student from "For Boys" class
Dr. Rob was funny and wanted the class to be more fun than awkward, and he was very good at explaining things thoroughly. - Student from "For Boys" class
Now I know what’s going on. - Student from "For Boys" class
Puberty happens to everyone. - Student from "For Boys" class
Dads of Daughters
Thursday, October 28th, 7pm-8:30pm
Dads of Daughters will be available on October 28th at 7pm on ZOOM. You will receive an email by 12pm day of event and again an hour before the workshop begins.
Dads! There is nothing quite like being a dad of a daughter. Becoming more aware of what your preteen/teen daughter is experiencing physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively will give you tools to support and communicate more confidently. Enjoy this unique opportunity to gather and ask questions.
This talk is generously sponsored by Seattle Children's Hospital.
This event is for grown-ups only. Parents, guardians, grandparents, caregivers, teachers...
Julie Metzger RN, MN will bring her 30 plus years of experience working with families of girls to the conversation in this popular parent talk.
Mothers of Sons
Thursday, November 4th, 7pm-8:30pm
Mothers of Sons will be available on November 4th at 7pm on ZOOM. You will receive an email by 12pm day of event and again an hour before the workshop begins.
A parent talk just for mothers of sons facilitated by Julie Metzger, founder of Great Conversations. This parent talk gives moms a unique opportunity to explore their relationship with their son while answering some of the questions around their son's physical, emotional, social development. Julie Metzger, founder of Great Conversations will be joined by Peter Metzger MD a pediatrician with Pediatrics Northwest in Tacoma, WA.
This event is generously sponsored by Seattle Children's Hospital.
This event is for grown-ups: parents and adults who support and teach preteens and teens only (not with children).
Staying Close While Standing Back
Thursday January 27th, 7pm-8:30pm
Staying Close While Standing Back will be available on January 27th at 7pm on ZOOM. You will receive an email by 12pm day of event and again an hour before the workshop begins.
For parents of preteens and teens looking for new ideas on every day conversations with their children.
Conversations are the building blocks within a family to share ideas, sharpen our edges, build trust, problem-solve, gather information, argue our point, and share our stories. Family conversations can be intense and heated or spoken in whispers - they can last seconds or days - and end with a slammed door, a sigh, or a hugeach one shapes part of who we are as a family and as individuals. Julie Metzger will give parents an opportunity to consider strategies to strengthen family communication with adolescents.
Julie Metzger is the founder of the ever popular Great Conversations programs focused on puberty, sexuality, and decision making for families of preteens for over 30 years in the Pacific Northwest and San Francisco Bay Area. She co-authored the book for preteens, "Will Puberty Last My Whole Life: Real Answers to Real Questions Asked by Preteens on Body Changes, Sex, and Other Growing Up Stuff." and "This is Me - a Girl's Journal".
This event is generously sponsored by Seattle Children's Hospital.
This event is for grown-ups: parents and adults who support and teach preteens and teens only (not with children).
If you are looking for ideas on having conversations with your family - here are some recorded podcasts with our Great Conversations team:
- Sex Education: Talking to Teens About Consent with Julie Metzger
- Hopefully Somebody Knows - on puberty, empathy, and modeling strong relationships
- What Adolescent Girls Wish Their Parents Understood about Them
- ….AND How to Answer the questions Boys Ask Most Often About Puberty..
- The Vagina Dialogue - Seattle Mama Doc podcast with Julie Metzger
- The Penis Podcast - Seattle Mama Doc podcast with Rob Lehmanr
What Our BOYS Need - courage, community, compassion, and competence
Facilitated by Julie Metzger, founder of Great Conversations, and her son, Peter Metzger MD, a pediatrician, this talk gives grown-ups who love, support, coach, teach and care about boys a unique opportunity to explore your relationship with boys while answering some of the questions around boys' physical, emotional, social development. Julie and Peter will draw from current research and their clinical experience working with families.
This talk is generously sponsored by Seattle Children's Hospital.
This parent talk was previously titled Mothers of Sons.
What Our GIRLS Need - courage, community, compassion, and competence
Facilitated by Julie Metzger RN, this talk gives grownups who love, support, teach, coach and care about girls a unique opportunity to explore your relationship with girls while answering some of the questions around girls' physical, emotional, social development. Julie will draw from current research and her 35+ years of working with families.
This talk is generously sponsored by Seattle Children's Hospital.
This parent talk was previously titled Dads of Daughters
Staying Close While Standing Back: The Art and Science of Parenting Adolescents
For ALL grownups - parents, grandparents, caregivers, coaches, teachers - who love, support, and care about preteens and teens looking for new ideas for every day conversations.
Conversations are the building blocks within a family to share ideas, sharpen our edges, build trust, problem-solve, gather information, argue our point, and share our stories. Family conversations can be intense and heated or spoken in whispers - they can last seconds or days - and end with a slammed door, a sigh, or a hug each one shapes part of who we are as a family and as individuals. Julie Metzger will give parents an opportunity to consider strategies to strengthen family communication with adolescents.
This talk is generously sponsored by Seattle Children's Hospital.
To schedule a talk – email us at: info@greatconversations.com
The Great Conversations’ Team brings their wealth of experiences working with preteens and teens and families to parent groups through talks in schools and communities. We are happy to work with parent groups to meet the unique needs of your community and provide information on the latest research and strategies on parenting and caring for adolescents. To schedule a talk – email us at info@greatconversations.com
An excerpt from "The Social Lives of Our Children:
Parent Talk: The Social Lives of Our Children from Great Conversations on Vimeo.
