Chicago North Shore Moms and Turning Teen present an impactful day of growth, empowerment and confidence building for girls 8-12 with their trusted parent! Join us at the Tween Empowerment Summit Saturday, October 18, 2025 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm at Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette! We spoke with Turning Teen’s founder and summit leader, Dr. Lisa Klein, who told us exactly what to expect – no surprises – at this impactful day that is sure to bring about connection, laughter and, yes, fun. I mean we wouldn’t do this if it couldn’t also be fun. Read on, my friends, to see what it’s all about.
Ready to register now? Use coupon code EMPOWER for 20% off and register HERE!
What is a Turning Teen Summit and what can parents and daughters expect from this event? Tell us the basics – the benefits people will get from attending this.
Conversations about puberty and mental health are vital to a child’s healthy growth and development. Direct, comprehensive and honest information empowers tweens to understand and be in charge of their own bodies. When kids have that knowledge and confidence, it lays the foundation for safety, self-respect, and healthy boundaries.
Turning Teen, founded by pediatricians, provides comprehensive puberty education and workshops about adolescence to support t(w)eens and their trusted adults.
This fall, Turning Teen is hosting a gathering for t(w)eens and their parents to take part in some of our interactive and informational programs. The basics are:
- Two workshops (participate in one or both!):
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- Mind over Mood: Managing Emotions (a workshop about understanding and navigating tween emotions with confidence)
- Body Basics for Girls (a workshop about the physical changes of female puberty, including topics about body respect and body safety)
- Fun activities for tweens only + giveaways + snacks
- Connection for parents and their tweens
As the founder of Turning Teen, what are your qualifications, Dr. Klein?
As a practicing pediatrician for over 20 years, I am trained in the medical side of puberty (think anatomy and physiology). As a mom, I am well versed in the emotional aspects of adolescence (think 2 teenagers with lots of eye rolls). As a doctor mom and founder of Turning Teen, I have become an expert in explaining body and brain changes to kids and parents in a way that is clear, relatable, and even fun. I am also the co-author of a book about female puberty, “Celebrate Your Body 2.”
Leslie Randolph and Dr. Lisa Klein
And what about the emotional changes that go hand-in-hand with growing and becoming a teen? Tell us about Leslie Randolph’s involvement in this as well.
The tween years are full of physical changes that go hand-in-hand with emotional and mental transitions. To support tweens (and the parents, caregivers, and educators who love them) we partnered with certified life coach Leslie Randolph to lead our Mind Over Mood workshop.
In this session, Leslie sheds light on the developmental shifts happening during these years and, more importantly, equips participants with practical tools to manage emotions rather than letting emotions take control. Tweens leave with a menu of strategies to lean on when feelings run high, along with the reassurance that what they’re experiencing is not only common, but also a normal and healthy part of growing up.
Why should tweens and parents attend an age-appropriate workshop about puberty when kids get that education in school already?
Only about half of the states in the U.S. require public schools to teach sex ed (puberty curriculum is part of sex ed). Illinois schools are not required to teach sex education. Unfortunately, oftentimes the information is presented too late and with outdated resources. The course is often a brief interlude of gym class – not nearly enough time to address the magnitude and importance of the subject.
Do you know:
- Who is teaching that class in the school?
- What type of training is provided to prepare them to teach this class?
- What materials are being used to teach the class?
- What is the specific content of the class?
You may not know the answers to most of the above questions, and that is OK. Every school and district is different. The point of Turning Teen is to help to guide your child through puberty with you at their side, and not worry if enough is being done elsewhere. We will help you start the conversation so that you can continue it at home.
What do you say to parents who are thinking, ‘I want to go to this, but there is no way my daughter will want to attend’?
Parenting is so hard sometimes! We recommend the following: Remember that you get to make the decision that your child would benefit from our workshop. (You don’t ask your child if he or she would like to go to the doctor or dentist, right?) Some tweens are not thrilled about going to a workshop to talk about their changing body. You can remind them that even the most hesitant kids learn, participate and even have fun! They may be uncomfortable with the topic at first, but they will not be singled out or embarrassed during the program, and they will have you at their side.
When is a great time to discuss puberty with your daughter? I’m guessing not until middle school, right?
Most experts agree that “8 is great” when it comes to starting conversations about puberty. There is evidence that puberty is starting earlier, and it is best to discuss these changes earlier rather than later. Even if they aren’t going through puberty yet, their bestie or teammate might be! Don’t leave them wondering!
Talking about puberty and answering kids’ questions is hard to do for most adults. Fear, embarrassment, or even shame, can make amazing moms, dads, and other trusted adults retreat and say nothing at all. We can help you navigate this exciting (and awkward) transition. You don’t want them learning this information on the playground or the internet – so it needs to be you having these conversations! But we are here to help!
But how do you gear a discussion about puberty that is age appropriate for all ages, specifically 8 year olds to 12 year olds?
At Turning Teen, we understand that puberty can look very different for an 8-year-old than it does for a 12-year-old. Our approach is intentionally designed to be developmentally appropriate, ensuring that children receive information that matches all ages and stages.
- Gradual and layered learning: In every class, we acknowledge that some children may be just beginning puberty while others are further along. No matter where they are at, most kids (and some adults!) don’t know the basics. So we start at the beginning with basic anatomy lessons with the right names for body parts. We then introduce the normal physical changes of growing up in clear, simple language. Throughout the class we build on this foundation with more details about hormones, menstruation, and all things puberty from start to finish.
- Beyond anatomy. Puberty is not just about bodies – it’s also about feelings, confidence, friendships, and independence. Turning Teen balances facts with emotional health, creating a holistic understanding of what growing up really means.
- Parent partnership. We believe that puberty conversations shouldn’t happen only once, or only in the classroom. We equip parents with language, resources, and strategies to continue the discussion at home in age-appropriate ways.
This layered, inclusive, and parent-supported model allows Turning Teen to create a safe, comfortable environment where every child – whether 8 or 12 – can learn, ask questions, and leave feeling reassured and empowered.
To help lighten things up a bit, tell us about the fun activity/activities that will be at this event.
We will have various craft tables, treats (to go with our theme of course!). Turning Teen is also a supporter of various charitable organizations, so part of the day will include giving back to our community in a special way! More to come on the details as we plan raffles and giveaways with t(w)een-based companies that are beyond excited to participate and sponsor! So far you can expect:
- Period Confidence Kits
- My Power Pages Journal
- Affirmation Bracelet Station
- Grow your Goals Seed Planting
- Smile & Shine Photo Booth
- The chance to enter and win a giveaway full of tween swag!
- And more!
Ready to register! Give us the details!
We hope to see you at The Tween Empowerment Summit on Saturday, October 18, 2025, 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm at Regina Dominican High School. There are three registration options; register for Body Basics, Mind Over Mood, or both! All three options include the fun activities and laughter!
Ready to register now? Use coupon code EMPOWER for 20% off and register HERE!
The Tween Empowerment Summit thanks our amazing sponsors! Check out who’s involved!
