Be a Parent not a Pal

Dr Jeff Kemp




Parenting teenagers today is a tough challenge. It takes purpose, creativity, determination and patience - and some practical advice from people who know what they are talking about. Award winning specialist teacher, researcher, mentor and speaker, Dr Jeff Kemp, has spent 30 years helping parents ride the roller coaster of parenting. His knowledge, compassion, and enthusiasm has helped the most troubled of teens re-engage with school and family after almost being written off by a stressed education system and exasperated parents. Combining this wealth of experience with research and academic training Jeff has produced a highly inspirational and practical book full of sage advice as well as dozens of real-life teen scenarios parents may face and action plans to deal with them. For Jeff, parenting is a journey of self-discovery for the parent and a journey of self-discovery for their teenager, underpinned by the undeniable reality that as a parent, you are the leader of the family to which your teenager belongs, and as such you must lead. You can't be your teenager's pal, but you can be their parent.

About the Author

A father of four, Dr Jeff Kemp is a highly successful educator with over 30 years experience as a primary school teacher, a secondary school teacher, a university lecturer, a presenter at National and State conferences and a specialist guidance counsellor of children and teenagers, in particular troubled teenagers. In addition to his Doctorate of Education, he holds Bachelor Degrees in both arts and education, as well as a Graduate Diplomas in educational psychology, special education, and leadership studies. He is currently head of student support services at St Michael's College, Merrimac on Queensland's Gold coast. Jeff's work has been recognised in State and Commonwealth Government awards for his outstanding contribution to youth in the community.

Reviews

At last! A guide that treats parents with respect and offers real comfort and support in the often baffling world of child rearing. Dr Loretta Giorcelli, OAM FACE, Professor of Special Education and Child Development Sydney, Australia

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Thoughts on being a parent
  • Your teenager
  • Parenting your teenager
  • Dealing with common teen topics:
  • Friends
  • Body image
  • Depression
  • Self-harm
  • Suicide
  • Sexuality
  • Drugs
  • Technology
  • Practising effective parenting - 25 teen scenarios to explore
  • Big T
  • Broken Hearted
  • Bush Lawyer
  • Coming Out
  • Cyber-Bully
  • Dark Thoughts
  • Fair Weather Friend
  • Family Ties
  • Greener Grass
  • Hidden Gift
  • Hot Breakfast
  • Hung Up
  • Hurt
  • Money Matters
  • On The Edge
  • Off The Rails
  • Runaway
  • Self Exile
  • Scratcher
  • Spellbound
  • Conclusion