For over 25 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.


Welcome to The Chat
The world around us is changing, and here at Great Conversations, we are all about change - bodies, emotions, and relationships during puberty.
You are in the right place.
We have been talking with preteens and families for over 30 years and believe families are the very best place for conversations about puberty, sex, and other topics on growing up. We also know it can be helpful to have expert resources along for the journey.
We hope you will join us for this new adventure online, The Chat.
What is The Chat?
- The Chat is a series of five ZOOM workshops that reflect the content of our in-person For Boys and For Girls classes in a new ONLINE workshop format.
- Each workshop of The Chat is 45 minutes long on ZOOM for families of preteens 10-12 years old and a grown-up.
- You may take any individual workshop or all five. We recommend you begin with “BO, Pimples, and Hair, Oh My!” and end with “Being Connected”. While families can choose to attend any combination of the workshops they feel is appropriate for them, the information in earlier sessions provides the foundation for understanding in later sessions.
- Families who register for the 5 workshop series 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.
- A Great Conversations instructor will provide content that includes a video, activities, and conversation prompts for families. 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.
Who Should Sign Up?
- The Chat is for 10-12 year olds and a grown-up who attend together.
- The Chat is for all genders - preteen and parent.
How do We Register?
- Click on the Register button and choose either the Series of 5 workshops or an individual workshop.
- 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
Scholarship Funds?
- 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
Offerings on The Chat:
Beginning June 2020, the workshops are:
- 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 for people with girl body parts including breasts and periods (This class is one hour.)
- Boy Bodies and Beyond
- The unique parts of puberty for people with boy 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
Looking Ahead:
We are all still learning how this new way of being together works - our goal is to create a new kind of space to gather online to explore topics more fully and that you will return to The Chat as we add more topics over time.
We are hoping that even when we can gather again in person, your family will join our For Girls and For Boys in-person classes and also come back to The Chat and bring a cousin from Hong Kong or Kentucky - who knows who will want to chat with us going forward?
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?
2. My son/daughter is younger (or older) than the recommended age of 10-12. Can he/she take the class?
3. Can mothers attend the boys’ class? Can fathers attend the girls’ class? Can both parents attend the class??
4. Can I take multiple siblings to one class?
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?
6. How will the topics of gender and sexuality be discussed?
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

A NEW Great Conversations’ ONLINE Workshop Series
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
body talk - building body wisdom
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
FOR GIRLS

Our in-person classes are currently postponed. Please join us at our ONLINE workshops THE CHAT.
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?
2. My son/daughter is younger (or older) than the recommended age of 10-12. Can he/she take the class?
3. Can mothers attend the boys’ class? Can fathers attend the girls’ class? Can both parents attend the class??
4. Can I take multiple siblings to one class?
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?
6. How will the topics of gender and sexuality be discussed?
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?
8. I want to sign up with another family or with a whole group (like a scout troop). How do I do that?
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?
HOW TO REGISTER:
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.
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?
2. My son/daughter is younger (or older) than the recommended age of 10-12. Can he/she take the class?
3. Can mothers attend the boys’ class? Can fathers attend the girls’ class? Can both parents attend the class??
4. Can I take multiple siblings to one class?
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?
6. How will the topics of gender and sexuality be discussed?
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?
8. I want to sign up with another family or with a whole group (like a scout troop). How do I do that?
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?
HOW TO REGISTER:
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

What Our BOYS Need - courage, community, compassion, and competence
January 14, 2021, 7pm-8:30pm via ZOOM
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
February 9th, 2021, 7pm-8:30pm via ZOOM
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
March 2nd, 2021, 7pm-8:30pm via ZOOM
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.