I think one of the basic tenents of PET is that parents and children both are humans above all, so we must aim to treat our children with respect and consideration and guide them to treat us and others in the same way.

Coming at communication in this way, we can be open and honest about our needs and feelings and work toward mutually satisfactory solutions to problems.

The traditional idea seems to be a power play - either the parent or the child has all the control. Without mutual respect and consideration, neither really understands the other's needs or feelings and so can't see the possibility of win-win situations - rather each tries to win and force the other side to lose.

When children are young, parents typically take control. As children get older, they will often rebel against this, leading to the sort of teenage behaviour we have come to expect. The alternative is that children are so thoroughly cowed by their authoritarian parents that they become completely submissive. Neither scenario is ideal.

Sometimes parents relinquish control and let their kids do what they want. Again, this is not a good scenario.

PET tells us that family dynamics do not have to be this way. When we are honest about our feelings, communicate with respect, use active listening, etc etc, we can find another way.

I haven't done the course, but read some books - maybe check your local library

Gordon, T "Parent Effectiveness Training"
Faber, A & Mazlish, E "How to talk so kids will listen, and listen so kids will talk"