The Chat: Puberty Programs for Families With Preteens

What is The Chat?

Great Conversations presents The Chat: live, in-person classes as well as virtual workshops for preteens and a trusted grown-up.

Our goal for over three decades has stayed the same – for families to grow in confidence having conversations with each other on the topics of growing up. To date, over 90% of parents report “more confidence having conversations” with their preteen after attending The Chat.

Building upon our programming previously called Heart to Heart: For Boys and For Girls, we now offer The Chat, reflecting national standards in both live, virtual and in-person formats, accessible to boys, girls and gender-expansive youth. Families have increased access to information from a team of expert instructors in a variety of learning environments.

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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.

How does it work?

The Chat: In Person

Two 2-hour sessions; Preteens 10-12 and a grown-up; All genders are welcome

• Two two-hour sessions are typically one week apart. Each session includes a short break and time to answer anonymous questions.
• Live instruction with expert instructors in an auditorium or large classroom setting.
• Includes an interactive workbook, PowerPoint graphics, and conversation prompts for families.
• All preteens will receive a copy of our book Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? in the mail upon completing the series.

The Chat: Virtual

Five 45-Minute workshops; Preteens 9-12 and a grown-up; All genders are welcome

• Five 45-to-60-minute workshops are typically one week apart. Each workshop includes time to answer anonymous questions.
• Live instruction with expert instructors via Zoom in the setting of your choice.
• Includes an interactive workbook, short videos, technical support, conversation prompts for families.
• All preteens will receive a copy of our book Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? in the mail upon completing the series.

Such a great program! I loved the facilitators and teachers' enthusiasm and how easy it was to have these big conversations with my daughter. I also really appreciated how you talk about boy bodies and girl bodies and all genders and experiences and how they are different and the same. It was a really inclusive, approachable program. Thank you!

What will we talk about?

1. Is puberty weird?

An introduction to the puberty experience for every body, including body odor, pimples, hair, growth, gender and voice changes.

2. Body basics

What most girls experience in puberty, including breast development, periods, masturbation and self-concept.

3. More body basics

What most boys experience in puberty, including erections, ejaculation, masturbation and self-concept.

4. Crushes, consent and more!

How our brains change during puberty. Exploration of emotional regulation, decision-making, healthy conversations with family and friends, crushes and consent.

5. Our sexual selves

Being sexual, sexual reproduction, healthy relationships and sexual decision-making.

How do we register?

Click the Register button below and choose the date that best works for you. Additional content will be added over time, and classes will be repeated.

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Scholarship Funds

Scholarship funds are available for all Great Conversations programs. To inquire about scholarships, email [email protected] to talk to our registration team.

Additional Resources

See article, book and website recommendations (including the books written by Great Conversations: Will Puberty Last My Whole Life? and This Is Me – A Journal For Girls). You can get updates from Great Conversations’ programs and parent talks on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Visit GreatConversations.com for more details on content for the The Chat, registration, and resources.