Set the P.A.C.E.! A Curriculum to Promote Mother-Child Communication About Sexuality and Reduce Sexual Risk Behaviors in Children Ages 6–12

Abstract

In this article, we describe the Set the P.A.C.E.! (Parents And Children Empowered) curriculum designed for mothers of children 6–12 years of age. The development of the curriculum was part of a research study to test an intervention to enhance the mother's role in promoting resilience among 6- to 12-year-old children and to reduce the risk of early initiation of sexual intercourse as the children grow. The curriculum was based on an ecological model and social cognitive theory. It consisted of 10 sessions, each two hours in length and held once per week. The session content included communication and listening skills, parenting skills, sexual development of children and adolescents, and peer pressure and monitoring. Motivational interviewing techniques were used by facilitators in the conduction of the program. The implementation of the program taught us that such programs are appreciated by mothers. The program does take considerable effort to develop and to refine. Process evaluation data are discussed along with lessons learned from the implementation of the program.