Endorsements from Beijing expatriate parents who completed the Parent Effectiveness Training Course

“I thoroughly enjoyed the P.E.T. course. The model emphasizes peaceful methods of parenting, and who wouldn't like that! Everyone in the family has needs, and everyone's needs are equally important, and P.E.T. teaches how to listen to each other and problem-solve difficulties using an approach where everybody wins. In addition, I have been able to meet a group of dynamic women in Beijing and we have been able to share the trials and tribulations of parenting. We still meet up, so it has become a bit of a support group. Kathryn, the facilitator, has a wealth of knowledge and she is extremely skilled and approachable. I have 4 kids, from 6 to 18. "

Lucinda Willshire,

Social Worker (Australia)

"I can only recommend the PET course that Kathryn Tonges organises in Beijing. As a mother of a 6-year old and a 3-year old, I was constantly struggling with managing crisis situations among my children. Kathryn taught me how to differentiate between different situations and which methods to apply for each case. I have now become a more confident parent and the active listening skills I learnt made me become even closer to my children. On another note, the communication skills and specifically the conflict resolution skills I gained have been invaluable in my other personal and professional relationships."

Jasmine Keel,

”INSPIRED” Managing Director (France)

“Our family doctor in Chile had recommended the PET book to us a few years ago. In Beijing, I have joined the PET course because I knew those principles were the ones that could lead to a more peaceful family life and that they made sense in the long run. It has been wonderful to be able to learn and reinforce the meaning of those principles as well as to share practical advice deriving from them with other parents. Kathryn Tonges is knowledgeable and diligent and she is a wonderful listener, so we can see how the PET methods work right on the spot!

The PET course has helped us focus on what we really want for our children -- that they feel confident to solve their own problems and also that they are able to acknowledge other peoples needs, including ours. It helped us eliminate old fashioned punishment-reward methods that meant we were constantly getting into power struggles with the children. It helped us understand their behaviour and try to connect with them instead, which is always a challenge with small children. The PET really does bring us closer to them, and this is where we want to be, so I wholeheartedly recommend this course to parents of children all ages.”

Barbara Menezes

Educator; Mother of two boys, 5 and 7 (Brazil)

“I am so glad that I was able to take the PET course. I learned a great deal. I especially learned that becoming a parent does not necessarily come with the skills of being a good parent and that these skills can be acquired. The PET course has taught me these skills. Since I took the course, we, as a family, have been able to deal with those difficult situations which arise in any family in a calmer and more effective way. Kathryn is a wonderful person. She is passionate about what she does and it shows”

Alma Martinez,

Mother of 5 year old son (USA)

“Benefits - I found the course challenging, eye-opening and above all, inspiring.  While I feel that I am only at the very beginning of the learning curve, I am confident that the set of skills learnt during the course will bring long term benefits to our family life.  It has been very reassuring knowing that there is an effective parenting method that is not based on power or submissiveness.

I also enjoyed that we were able to learn from and be inspired by each other as we went through the course.  Week by week we would take the new skills we learnt and apply (or at least try to) in the home and then share our experiences the following week.”

Lucy Cooper,

Australian, Kids ages 3 + 5

"Taking the P.E T course gave me an awareness of - and skills - how to bring up my kids in a way that shows my respect for and acceptance of them as individuals"

Hanne Moller,

Danish, mum to three, age 1, 2½ and 4½

"This course gave me a new outlook into my own education and the traps it has created in the way I look after (my son). It reminded me that what I called "instinct" was more a repetition of what was done to me. Attending this course makes me feel (again) that opening up to new ideas, teachings, discussions is key to my relationship with my son and myself. Furthermore, I've been integrating some of these communication techniques into my broader life with powerful outcomes.

Finally, Kathryn was very generous with her time and great at guiding exchange amongst participants, making this course a real learning experience"

Henri de Branche,

French, father to 2 ½ year old

"It has really totally changed the way I think about bringing up my children, especially re rewards and punishment and given me such good strategies for dealing with problems.

I think it is an amazing course. It caused me to think differently    about so many things. One rewarding part – learning to think about my feelings (not just anger!) and be able to express them in a productive way. I am feeling so positive about having strategies to use to problem solve and listen to my kids."

Johanna Selth
Baby Gro

"I found I was starting to feel very desperate in terms of my parenting skills. This course came at the right time for me. I can’t say how happy I am that I took it!! I find I have more patience and I lose my temper less often. My children also seem more calm. Kathryn you did a great job! I really love your approach. You are infinitely kind and sensitive when handling our questions. I’m very glad you didn’t shy away from sensitive issues/ discussions. Thank you!"

Melissa Rodriguez

"I wish my parents had taken this course. Makes me wonder and want to explore how this can be applied to other relationships – spouse, work, brand to consumer etc."

Daniel Lim