I won't feel I'm Roman's boss just because I'm his dad. I've never had that relationship with him at all. It wasn't the way we brought him up. We were friends. If Roman did something wrong, I showed that he hurt me rather than telling him off.

In this quote, Martin Kemp reflects on his relationship with his son, Roman, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and a friendship-based dynamic rather than one rooted in authority. Kemp acknowledges that, despite being Roman’s dad, he doesn’t see himself as his boss. Instead, their relationship was built on equality, where Kemp chose to be a friend to his son rather than exerting power or control. This approach reflects a parenting style focused on understanding and emotional connection rather than strict discipline.

Kemp further explains that when Roman made a mistake, he didn’t simply reprimand him or assert authority by telling him off. Instead, he expressed how his son’s actions affected him personally, showing that he was hurt rather than using anger or punishment. This method encourages empathy and open communication, allowing Roman to understand the emotional impact of his actions without feeling alienated or confronted by authority.

The origin of the quote is from Martin Kemp, a British musician and actor, best known for being a member of the band Spandau Ballet. Kemp’s approach to parenting has been influenced by his belief in positive reinforcement and emotional intelligence, focusing on building strong, respectful relationships with his children rather than relying on conventional disciplinary measures.

Ultimately, this quote illustrates Kemp’s belief in parenting through connection rather than authority. By fostering a relationship of friendship and trust, he demonstrates that effective parenting is not about power but about understanding and emotional support. It reflects a more modern approach to raising children, where empathy and communication take precedence over strict discipline.