Preadolescence (ages 9 – 13) is a vulnerable time when mothers continue to play a significant role in the lives of their youth. A purposive sample of 50 mothers in four countries (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and Chile) was used for this ethnographic study. Data were obtained using interviews, genograms, and photography and analyzed thematically. We asked mothers to describe a “good quality of life” and how they try to achieve that “good life” for themselves and their families, especially in terms of protecting their children from societal risks such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs and violence.

This presentation includes individual site findings and patterns of similarities and differences across cultures. In Argentina, for example, risk behaviours include contact with older, adolescent children, school disertion, “being in cyber space”, and “being in the street”. Health was viewed as being without problems or sickness as well as a healthy family life that includes playful activities with children, having a pet or particular toys, doing well at school, having friends, feeling affection for one another, and appreciating religious beliefs. Maternal practices that influenced the choices of preadolescent children included offering security, communication, and practical help.

Findings from this study can frame future research, guide policy makers to build effective health promotion interventions for preadolescents, and improve nursing practice and education across several cultural settings.

*Funding was provided by the Organization of American States (OAS) through the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commision (CICAD), the Government of Canada, and the University of Alberta.