Testimonials

As parents of a troubled and difficult teenager, we understand how hard parenting can be. Struggling to maintain a positive relationship with our son, we felt isolated clueless and full of self-doubt. For the past few years we have been 'running on empty'. But, in all this we have been truly blessed with the support and guidance of Dr Jeff Kemp, the guidance counsellor at our son's school.

The 'Asteros' program, founded by Dr Kemp, supports troubled teenagers who are underachieving, develop self–awareness and commit to bettering their lives. Our son has benefited greatly from this program. Dr Kemp's parenting program has helped us better understand how our son is 'wired' from a behavioural perspective. It has reaffirmed our faith in making reasonable parenting decisions without being worried about how they might affect our relationship with our son. Above all, Dr Kemp has helped us believe and actually feel that although our son was created by us, he was not us.

We continue to negotiate our way through these troubling times, but it is with some degree of inner peace amidst the turmoil. It is impossible to convey, in words how grateful we are for Dr Kemp's support and compassion on our journey so far. He has been an absolute rock for our entire family.

Sherrie and Peter Davis
Worongary, Queensland - Australia

At last! A guide that treats parents with respect and offers real comfort and support in the often baffling world of child rearing. Dr Kemp has honed his skills by not only successfully raising his own children but also by working with challenging children and teens in school and community settings. He has brought his practical experience as a father and his professional perspectives together to create a unique collection of reading and reflections. A representative sample of case studies that will quickly lead parents to more informed and careful decision making about their children are also featured.

I highly recommend this book to parents and other professionals whose daily lives will be shaped and strengthened by better understanding themselves as well as their children and teens. Have not enjoyed a parenting book as much since Coloroso's "Kids are worth it"!

Dr Loretta Giorcelli, OAM FACE
Professor of Special Education and Child development
Sydney, New South Wales - Australia

I found this to be a fantastic tool whilst trying to figure out the best way to manage a teenager.

True to life examples put things into perspective in ordinary life. I like the focus on building self-esteem/self worth from within the family unit. I think the hands-on approach to matters relating to your teenager and how they relate to you is very important. It shows different ways to handle situations for the best possible outcome.

"Touchstone" is another excellent tool for teenagers to sort through things, giving them the power to feel in control when things start to look too difficult to overcome.

Being aware of parents and their own needs is also addressed in different situations. I would highly recommend this for all parents in today's society as a guide to help everyone survive the teenage years.

Susan Walker
Robina, Queensland - Australia

I really enjoyed the book.
I thought the examples were good and the action plans useful. I like the idea of a "touch stone" for both parents and children. The "parent wish" list is a fabulous idea. A reminder of what we would like for our children.
Thank you.

Eve Elliott
Currumbin, Queensland - Australia

Dr Kemp writes about this important subject with passion and humility. Having successfully raised his own children as inspirational role-models and mentors for others, he certainly knows what he is talking about. His academic observation is both insightful and easy-to-understand for all parents or anyone bringing up teenagers with the complexities of our fast-paced technology and media saturated world. His genuine advice and down-to-earth techniques affirm the importance of spirituality and love as the foundation of any true relationship with others. Without this basis, we can never fully understand others

Toni Janke-Demmery
Campus Minister
St Michael’s College
Merrimac, Queensland - Australia

Thought it was very enlightening. The comments on being and feeling well within yourself are so true. If you are feeling great (doesn't have to be over the top just well) you cope with everyday situations so much better. Love the touchstone idea am definitely getting one. Really appreciated reading the Teen Episodes. Great to get a comparison on your own reactions.

Christine Stevenson
Nerang, Queensland - Australia

Everyone has potential. The Asteros program has drawn out many qualities and capabilities in my boy that he didn't believe he was capable of. A job well done.

Tracey Armstrong
Merrimac, Queensland - Australia

Our son was feeling a bit lost and uncertain of himself. He was finding it difficult to handle situations in an appropriate manner and was not meeting school expectations.

Since joining the Asteros program, he has come to realise that others experience the same thoughts and feelings as he does. He realises there are other ways of dealing with difficult situations. He is not as impulsive, has more self-control and has learnt to stop and think before acting. He now has the tools to identify anger and frustration and can react positively.

This has come about through the team building exercises he experienced at camps with Jeff and the other boys.

On his return from these camps our son seemed more confident in his ability to act appropriately when faced with difficult situations. He seemed excited to return to school and apply the new skills he had learnt during his stay at camp.

In addition to this my husband and I attended Jeff's "Parent Not Pal" 4 week course. What a fantastic tool for parents to have available to them as a guide in parenting. It reconfirms that there needs to be clear boundaries and mutual respect and trust. A valuable resource for parents to draw on.

Christine Mackey
Coomera, Queensland - Australia

The title, A Parent Not A Pal, is an eye catching phrase that inspires parents to evelop effective skills and confidence to parent their teenager.

Writing with the experience of a father and the authority of an expert who understands adolescents and families, Dr Kemp gives us a book which is practical, informative and reassuring. It is a wonderful guide of encouragement, interaction and discipline, brimming with practical ideas.

Ultimately, this book is about teaching and guiding our teenagers toward a happy and independent adulthood.

Dr. Angela Jeffrey
Guidance Counsellor/Psychologist MAPS

We met Dr Jeff Kemp through the school my son is currently attending. My son was taken under Jeff's wing and put on the Asteros program which is a program to help teenagers with problems such as, student's school attendance, learning disabilities etc. My son attended two camp programs through the year. He was reluctant about attending the camps as he had refused to go to any camps throughout his schooling years. But with some words of encouragement from Jeff, he agreed to go. On the first camp the group went into the bushland and did it tough as I had heard. But after arriving home from the camp my son was full of stories to tell and said he was going to the next camp at Lennox Heads.

My son has only good things to say about Jeff and I thank Jeff for the time he has spent with my son and the words of wisdom he has given to my son. During the program my husband and myself attended a teenager parenting class that ran for four weeks and which was organised and presented by Jeff.

As I am a mother of five with two remaining teenagers still at home; I found Jeff's clases to be very interesting and it gave me a lot of new ways to look at parenting. I think I have raised all of my children in a good manner. With the two remaining at home, I sometimes feel as though I have failed as a parent. I know this is not really the case, but the case of our changing generations and the teenagers of today are so different from the teenagers of yesterday.

I have read the draft copy of Jeff's book, "A Parent Not a Pal". I found it to be very interesting and he made a lot of good points. As I read through the book I would have a little laugh while I read because each and every word was so true, true from the parents point of view (mine).

We bring our children into the world and raise them as we know how or feel is right. We as parents try to find our children’s identity for them that we think suitable, to only one day realise that the young children grow to be their own individual and go on to search for their own identity.

I wish Jeff all the best upon the publishing of his book and I’m sure to any parent or teenager that reads it will find all truth in what they read and find it interesting, and may even help a lot of parents and teenagers out in the world. Thank You

Maree Hallam
Burleigh Waters, Queensland - Australia