The Parent Toolkit Collection
Foundation Programme - Toolkit Five
Building Strong Parent-Child Relationships
PACE in Practice
Building Strong Parent-Child Relationships: PACE in Practice is the fifth and final guide in the Parent Toolkit Collection Foundation Programme; a series of practical, evidence-informed resources designed to help parents better understand, support and positively influence their child's development.
Building on the previous four toolkits, this guide brings together everything you've learnt about behaviour, emotional regulation, co-regulation and positive discipline through one relationship-centred approach: PACE.
Developed by clinical psychologist Dr Dan Hughes, the PACE approach helps parents strengthen trust, build emotional safety and create meaningful connections through Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy.
Rather than focusing on changing behaviour alone, this toolkit helps you understand how strong relationships create the foundation for emotional wellbeing, resilience and lifelong learning.
This toolkit includes 40+ pages split into two printable PDF downloads:
📘 Parent Guide
A professionally written guide combining research, practical strategies and real-life parenting examples to help you confidently apply the PACE approach within everyday family life. Drawing on attachment theory, developmental psychology and relationship-based practice, the guide explores when to use each element of PACE, when a different approach may be more appropriate and how strong relationships support children's emotional development.
📖 Interactive Workbook
A companion workbook filled with practical activities, guided reflections and personalised planning tools designed to help you put PACE into practice. From understanding your child's emotional needs to creating your own PACE Connection Plans and reflecting on your parenting journey, the workbook supports you in developing stronger, more connected relationships with your child.
What you'll learn
What the PACE approach is and why it works.
How Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy strengthen relationships.
When each element of PACE is most effective.
Common misconceptions about PACE and when it may not be the most appropriate response.
Practical ways to build stronger relationships through everyday interactions.
How to confidently apply PACE whilst maintaining clear boundaries and expectations.
Who is this toolkit for?
This resource is ideal for parents and carers who want to strengthen their relationship with their child whilst developing greater confidence in responding to emotions and behaviour. Whether you're supporting a child with additional needs, navigating challenging behaviour or simply looking to deepen your connection, this toolkit provides practical, evidence-informed strategies that can be adapted to every family.
Contents
A Personal Welcome
How to Get the Most from This Guide
Section One – Why Relationships Matter
Section Two – Understanding PACE
Section Three – PACE in Practice
Section Four – When PACE Isn't the Answer
Section Five – Living PACE Every Day
Take Ten
One Final Thought
Theories & Approaches Referenced
Further Reading
What Comes Next?
Templates and Notes (Workbook) Includes six practical activities:
My Relationship at a Glance
Getting to Know My Child
PACE in Everyday Conversations
PACE in Practice
My PACE Connection Plan
Reflecting on My PACE Journey
Why Finish with the Foundation Programme?
Strong relationships are at the heart of everything explored throughout the Parent Toolkit Collection.
By completing this final toolkit, you'll bring together the knowledge and skills developed across all five guides—helping you move beyond managing behaviour towards building lasting trust, emotional safety and connection with your child.
Because when children feel truly seen, understood and supported, they are better able to learn, grow and thrive.
Instant Digital Download
✔ Printable PDF format
✔ Two professionally designed resources included (Guide + Workbook)
✔ Download immediately after purchase
✔ Complete at your own pace and revisit whenever you need it
Developed by Sladen Advisory using professional experience alongside recognised, evidence-informed approaches to behaviour, SEND and trauma-informed practice.
The Parent Toolkit Collection
Foundation Programme - Toolkit Five
Building Strong Parent-Child Relationships
PACE in Practice
Building Strong Parent-Child Relationships: PACE in Practice is the fifth and final guide in the Parent Toolkit Collection Foundation Programme; a series of practical, evidence-informed resources designed to help parents better understand, support and positively influence their child's development.
Building on the previous four toolkits, this guide brings together everything you've learnt about behaviour, emotional regulation, co-regulation and positive discipline through one relationship-centred approach: PACE.
Developed by clinical psychologist Dr Dan Hughes, the PACE approach helps parents strengthen trust, build emotional safety and create meaningful connections through Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy.
Rather than focusing on changing behaviour alone, this toolkit helps you understand how strong relationships create the foundation for emotional wellbeing, resilience and lifelong learning.
This toolkit includes 40+ pages split into two printable PDF downloads:
📘 Parent Guide
A professionally written guide combining research, practical strategies and real-life parenting examples to help you confidently apply the PACE approach within everyday family life. Drawing on attachment theory, developmental psychology and relationship-based practice, the guide explores when to use each element of PACE, when a different approach may be more appropriate and how strong relationships support children's emotional development.
📖 Interactive Workbook
A companion workbook filled with practical activities, guided reflections and personalised planning tools designed to help you put PACE into practice. From understanding your child's emotional needs to creating your own PACE Connection Plans and reflecting on your parenting journey, the workbook supports you in developing stronger, more connected relationships with your child.
What you'll learn
What the PACE approach is and why it works.
How Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy strengthen relationships.
When each element of PACE is most effective.
Common misconceptions about PACE and when it may not be the most appropriate response.
Practical ways to build stronger relationships through everyday interactions.
How to confidently apply PACE whilst maintaining clear boundaries and expectations.
Who is this toolkit for?
This resource is ideal for parents and carers who want to strengthen their relationship with their child whilst developing greater confidence in responding to emotions and behaviour. Whether you're supporting a child with additional needs, navigating challenging behaviour or simply looking to deepen your connection, this toolkit provides practical, evidence-informed strategies that can be adapted to every family.
Contents
A Personal Welcome
How to Get the Most from This Guide
Section One – Why Relationships Matter
Section Two – Understanding PACE
Section Three – PACE in Practice
Section Four – When PACE Isn't the Answer
Section Five – Living PACE Every Day
Take Ten
One Final Thought
Theories & Approaches Referenced
Further Reading
What Comes Next?
Templates and Notes (Workbook) Includes six practical activities:
My Relationship at a Glance
Getting to Know My Child
PACE in Everyday Conversations
PACE in Practice
My PACE Connection Plan
Reflecting on My PACE Journey
Why Finish with the Foundation Programme?
Strong relationships are at the heart of everything explored throughout the Parent Toolkit Collection.
By completing this final toolkit, you'll bring together the knowledge and skills developed across all five guides—helping you move beyond managing behaviour towards building lasting trust, emotional safety and connection with your child.
Because when children feel truly seen, understood and supported, they are better able to learn, grow and thrive.
Instant Digital Download
✔ Printable PDF format
✔ Two professionally designed resources included (Guide + Workbook)
✔ Download immediately after purchase
✔ Complete at your own pace and revisit whenever you need it
Developed by Sladen Advisory using professional experience alongside recognised, evidence-informed approaches to behaviour, SEND and trauma-informed practice.
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