Great question! Puberty and sexual education are often taught in the same class, but in reality are two related but very different things.  Puberty is about your body changing as you grow up.  Sexuality is how you relate to yourself and other humans as a sexually mature being.  In puberty, you’re not there yet - you mostly just want to figure out what the heck is going on with your own body!  All too often, programs lump puberty and sexuality together, typically not until it’s too late in the game. Research is showing that girls are starting puberty younger and younger, getting their first periods as young as 8 years old - that’s way sooner than many parents are even thinking about talking to their child about puberty! Puberty education provides the individualized context that the subject deserves, and sets kids up for success with the tools they need to feel good about their changing bodies before they need them.

Sadly, I don't speak Spanish. However, I could use an interpreter! If you speak Spanish and you are passionate about teaching youth, contact me and we can talk about collaborating.

We are currently offering a 5th grade class series for girls and menstruators. This class series is designed to address the specific physical, emotional, and social issues typically facing youth at that age.

At this time, Body Basics is available to girls and menstruators who are currently enrolled in 5th grade (with some wiggle room, depending on their birthday).  With its focus on menstruation, the 5th grade curriculum is a great fit for youth who are capable of menstruating.  If your child is trans and would like to be included, please let’s have a conversation about whether this program is the right fit for them!  

At this time, Body Basics only has programs for menstruators, although I would like to change that in the near future.

Absolutely! Being prepared is what is most important. By 5th grade, many youth will have already begun menstruating, and many haven’t yet.  The goal of Body Basics is to empower youth with the right knowledge and tools to navigate all stages of puberty and adolescence.  By taking the program, you both will have the resources you need to be ready when the time comes. Whatever stage of development your child is currently at, she will be met and welcomed there.

First, know that these feelings are actually quite common and perfectly natural. Of course it can be embarrassing to talk about bodies and feelings, but it is also important. Invite them to come to the first class and see how it goes. If they truly don’t like it, they don’t have to continue. And know that in all the years of offering Body Basics and Beyond programs, every student who has felt unsure has returned for the remainder of the sessions after experiencing the first class. If, after checking in with each other around what the challenges are for your child with the program, it still appears that the classes are not a good fit for them, you can receive a portion of the tuition as a refund.

Yes! Body Basics is available to all youth regardless of their family composition or life situation. I will work with parents/guardians privately to make any adjustments needed in order to help a child feel comfortable, safe, supported.

The 5th grade program has 6 classes that typically meet once or twice a week. 5th grade classes usually take place shortly after school for an hour and a half.

The class size can vary from 6-10 students!

Even though the classes are just for the youth, you are clearly a part of this experience as well. Here is what you can do:

1. Make yourself available for your child as much as possible. When your child comes home from a class, be attentive to how they seem. They may be quiet and pensive as they consider what we did together that day, or wanting to talk with you, or just needs a chance to get some energy out! Follow their lead!

2. Let them come to you and don’t push for information. Gentle reminders about doing Time Together are fine if necessary, “Hey, I see you have class tomorrow, when would be a good time for us to do our Time Together?”

3. Push through any feelings of embarrassment you may have and answer their questions in a straightforward manner. Follow their lead when it comes to how much information you cover at any given time. If you can’t remember or don’t know something, be honest and offer to find out. By taking these classes, I invite your child to open up around many aspects of their present or future experiences with puberty, so be open to any other conversations that may come up.

Beyond Body Basics (for ages 13 and up) is the only program that addresses sex directly, and I am not currently offering that program (yet). In the programs for youth under 13, my job is to help your child feel comfortable with their changing body. We don’t talk about sex in other classes, but do get REALLY close! If I receive questions about sex, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, masturbation, abortion, etc. during the sessions with the younger students, I respond, “Your family is ready to answer your questions about that.” I will also contact you and let you know the nature of their curiosity.

At Body Basics, we aim to be inclusive of the LGBTQIAA+ community, and recognize that youth know who they are.

Only in the 8th grade program, Beyond Body Basics, (which I am not currently offering) when we are defining sexuality, do we learn about what gender identity and gender expression are. We also learn about what sexual orientation options exist for people (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual and pan/omnisexual, etc.). However, if Body Basics students have questions about these topics, we answer in an age appropriate manner and refer further inquiries home.

Yes, we do look at these products in the 5th grade program. I want my students to learn about and become familiar with menstrual products before they need to use them. During the last class we look at disposable and reusable pads, disposable tampons, and reusable menstrual cups. We discuss how to use these products and how to know when they are ready to be changed. What your child will use to catch their blood is a decision to be made by the two of you. I provide students with the options available to them now and in the future so that the choices can be theirs at every stage of their menstrual life.

Body Basics is an analog environment; no phones, no tablets and no watches are used in the learning process.  Hands-on learning here!

Because part of this experience is deepening connections between youth and their families, the focus is less on “work” and more on spending time together. The 5th grade program does have something called Time Together after each class consisting of anywhere from 1-5 questions or short activities you, (parent or guardian) work on together, and that are to be completed before the next class.

Yes. I work very hard at earning the trust of both the parents, students and families I work with. A cornerstone to developing this trusting relationship is confidentiality. It is a core value I hold throughout everything I do.

One of the very first things we do when I gather a new group is to work collectively to create a set of group agreements. Thereafter, I always check in with them at the beginning of each class to see if they have upheld their agreements. Students do not want to hear something they said in class out on the playground - they really understand this and honor our agreements.

Students are always welcome and encouraged to share their personal experiences with their parents. But it is not required. And they are not to share what others say or do without getting their permission first. Bottom line. Students always have my permission to share what I say in class, especially with parents/guardians.

This is such a great question. You speaking with your child about puberty is so important. Thank you. Extending that talk to an ongoing conversation can be even more beneficial for your child. Studies show that youth at this age can hear and understand things differently every six months, as a result, multiple conversations about puberty are recommended. Body Basics provides the opportunity for these extended conversations.

We strive to have the most up-to-date information on pubescent development. While you may be able to share a great deal of information on the topic, my life’s work is to make sure we know everything currently available to know on puberty and adolescence. We also have a natural ability to bring a potentially awkward and embarrassing topic out in the open through humor, games, and activities, making the information completely accessible. When your child takes a class with us, you can be sure her information is as complete and accurate as possible.

Additionally, no matter how strong a relationship you have with your child, having a sense of community of peers and connecting with other kids their age is hugely valuable. To be able to talk to and hear about other kids’ experiences normalizes puberty and helps youth know that they are not alone.

You already are doing it. The fact that you want a different experience for your child is the first step, not only for you, but for future generations as well. Please know, you are not alone. I am here to help guide you in this new territory and offer support. Click here to read 3 Ways to Repack Your Emotional Baggage Around Puberty – so your child doesn’t have to do it for you. Contact me for how I can offer you resources and recommendations to help support you as you consider your relationships with your own experiences with puberty and adolescence.

Because of the tender nature of the material we cover, your child’s privacy is important. Please know that I hold her best interest at heart as we guide the group through each developmentally appropriate program. Knowing that they can be completely honest in this setting is essential to our working with them.

During each class session series we email parents within a few days of each class to share the general topics and activities we covered, as well as any insights we’ve arrived at and a general sense of how the group is doing.

That being said, we want you to know that if we ever hear, see, or sense anything from your child that concerns me regarding her physical, mental or emotional safety, we will contact you immediately.

The classes are just for youth. However, I can offer you some resources to give you current information about the changes associated with puberty.

Did you know that I have Fertility Awareness educational courses for adults? Check out my website, Shakti Cycles.

Yes, as each child is different and will have potentially different experiences around puberty. This is also a place for parents to connect around that child and her development in a supportive and educational environment.

The parent meeting is a key foundation for the success of all Body Basics classes. If a parent/guardian can’t attend the parent meeting, you must schedule a private meeting with me to review the required material. There is a fee for the private meeting, which usually lasts about 45 minutes and is held in a Zoom Meeting. Another option is for your child to join another session that meets at a time when you are able to attend.

Due to the personal subject matter, in order for a student to participate in the Body Basics program, at least one parent or guardian needs to attend the two-hour informational parent meeting so they know what material will be covered, understand our approach, and what to expect from the program. we also clarify which topics will be reserved for family discussion at home. Other parents and fathers are welcome! Students do not attend the parent meeting.

At this meeting you will receive resources and be guided in completing the registration process.

We do the best we can to schedule classes so that students aren’t missing violin lessons on a month of Tuesdays. In scheduling the classes for the year, we work hard to rotate class days through the week. But the truth is, students are going to have to miss some after school activities in order to participate in Body Basics . That said, things happen like plays, performances and family events we haven’t planned for. When parents/guardians attend the parent meeting they are asked to have their students’ schedule/calendar with them to confirm each date. If absolutely necessary, we will do out best to reschedule a class.

Yes. I am happy to work with you to create something that meets both our needs. Just ask!

Refund requests are handled on a case by case basis. Should you have an issue that may require a full or partial refund, contact me.

Yes, Body Basics carries insurance. Please contact me for more information on my insurance coverage.

There is a small processing fee that will increase your tuition cost by about $10. All materials are included in the tuition.

I do not accept insurance. Body Basics provides educational services only and is not considered a counseling or medical service.