PACE for PARENTS: Module 2 (2/2) – OPEN COURSE

This is the second instalment of our two-part PACE for Parents programme.
All participants must complete Module One before attending this course, as Module Two builds directly on the shared language, boundaries and understanding established in the first session.

Both modules should be booked together.

Why this module matters

Once parents understand the PACE mindset, the next challenge is using it consistently during real-life moments of stress, conflict and emotional intensity.

Module Two supports parents and carers to deepen their understanding of trauma and attachment while strengthening their confidence in applying PACE principles in everyday family life. The focus is on safe, relational responses, emotional regulation and reflective parenting, without moving into therapy or individual case work.

This module is particularly valuable for families supported by local authorities, as it reinforces predictable, trauma-informed responses that align with wider care planning and family support goals.

Core aims

The overarching aims of PACE for Parents – Module Two are to:

• Strengthen secure attachment and trust
  Support parents and carers to embed PACE consistently, helping children experience adults as emotionally safe, predictable and supportive.

• Embed trauma-informed parenting practice
  Help caregivers move from understanding PACE in theory to applying it confidently during challenging moments.

• Support regulation and reflection
  Enable parents to better support their child’s emotional regulation while continuing to reflect on their own responses, stress levels and triggers.

Key learning areas

1. Deepening understanding of trauma and attachment

Participants will:

• Revisit and consolidate key learning about developmental trauma and ACEs, focusing on how these continue to shape behaviour, relationships and stress responses

• Strengthen understanding of complex needs and why behaviour often escalates when children feel unsafe, misunderstood or overwhelmed

• Explore attachment patterns in more depth and how consistent PACE responses help build / repair a secure base over time

2. Applying the PACE principles in daily life

Participants will develop greater confidence in using PACE flexibly and safely:

• Playfulness – using warmth and emotional connection appropriately, even during difficult moments

• Acceptance – separating a child’s feelings and needs from their behaviour, while maintaining clear and consistent boundaries

• Curiosity – responding with “wondering” rather than judgement to reduce conflict and increase understanding

• Empathy – validating emotions and experiences to help children feel seen, heard and supported

3. Strengthening therapeutic parenting skills (within clear boundaries)

Participants will:

• Practice responding to behaviour with connection before correction, supporting co-regulation rather than escalation

• Develop communication skills that promote safety, trust and emotional containment

• Continue reflecting on their own emotional regulation, recognising signs of stress or “blocked care”, and identifying strategies to remain calmer and more present during challenging interactions

What this course is not

To maintain clarity and safety, PACE for Parents – Module Two is not:

• A space to discuss personal or family-specific situations

• Therapy, counselling, or one-to-one intervention

• Advice or guidance on working with social services, legal processes or court proceedings

This remains a structured, group-based parenting education course, suitable for local authority commissioning and family support pathways.

Programme structure

Module Two builds directly on the shared understanding developed in Module One.
Participants who have not completed Module One may feel overwhelmed and are therefore required to complete the full programme in sequence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the PACE for Parents training?
PACE for Parents is a practical, trauma-informed course based on Dan Hughes’ PACE model designed to help parents connect emotionally and support their child’s regulation and attachment.

2. Who is PACE for Parents aimed at?
This training is ideal for parents, guardians, and family members supporting children who may have experienced trauma or have attachment needs, helping build secure, emotionally safe family relationships.

3. How will PACE for Parents support my child?
PACE empowers parents to respond to challenging behaviours with connection instead of control, supporting emotional regulation, reducing conflict, and fostering safer, trust-filled attachments at home.

4. What does the PACE for Parents course include?
The foundations of the PACE approach. It includes live instruction, real-life examples, guided exercises, and practical tools to begin applying Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy at home.

5. Is the PACE for Parents training evidence-based?
Yes, the PACE model is grounded in attachment theory, neuroscience, and decades of clinical practice. Families report greater emotional connection, better behaviour regulation, and more peaceful parenting after using it.

6. How do I book the PACE for Parents training?
Book both Module 1 and 2, add them to your basket, and complete payment. You’ll receive confirmation and access details by email so you can join the live online sessions.

What others say

You can read feedback from parents and carers who have attended our training HERE.

Format, CPD & Resources

• Delivery: Live training via Zoom

• Format: Taught input, small group work, paired activities and whole-group discussion

CPD / Learning Recognition

Participants receive a certificate of attendance and downloadable resources to support reflection, supervision discussions and learning records where required.

• Resources: Downloadable handouts and resource library included

Those wishing to pursue formal certification in Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) or to explore PACE further are invited to visit the founder’s website.