Time to talk about puberty? Check out Poe's virtual programs for parents, kids this spring

The Raleigh-based Poe Center for Health Education has set spring dates for its virtual puberty programs for kids and parents that' are aimed at educating kids about puberty and fostering conversations with their parents and caregivers.

The two-part Girl Talk program is designed for moms and daughters. The first part is best for girls in fourth to seventh grade. The second session, Girl Talk 2, is best for girls in sixth to eighth grade and their moms. My younger daughter and I took part in a virtual Girl Talk last year, and I can highly recommend the program. With experts from Poe, you'll talk about adolescent growth and development, along with the physical, social and emotional changes that girls experience during puberty. Girl Talk is set for 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Jan. 23.

Girl Talk 2 goes a bit deeper. Topics include the growth and development girls experience during puberty, the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems, the menstrual cycle, fertilization, and conception. Internet safety, peer pressure, abstinence, and sexually transmitted diseases are also introduced. Girl Talk 1 is a recommended prerequisite. Girl Talk 2 is set for 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., March 13.

Guy Talk has two sessions — one for fathers and sons and another for mothers and sons. It's best for boys in fifth to eighth grade. Boy Talk is designed to equip boys with accurate age-appropriate information designed to help with healthy growth and development. Workshop topics include the changes which happen during puberty, reproductive systems, proper nutrition, and hygiene.

Guy Talk for Fathers and Sons and Guy Talk for Mothers & Sons are both set for 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Feb. 6.

A third session called Puzzled by Puberty is for both boys and girls in fifth and sixth grades. During this session, health educators engage participants in honest conversations regarding the physical, emotional and social changes that occur during puberty. Participants discuss the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems, the menstrual cycle, and fertilization. Interactive activities and an age-appropriate movie reinforce important messages covered during the program. It's 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., April 24.