Resources recommended by Unstoppable Teen

We are here to help parents enhance the quality of their family life. On this page you will find books, audio books, movies, and music that we believe can make a difference.

Click on the section that interests you:

Books

Audio Books

Uplifting Music

Feel Good Movies

Make sure you come back often because we are constantly updating this section of our website with regular reviews and recommendations.

Unstoppable Parents Book Club

We’ve made it easy for you to find books that are suitable for parents of teenagers. Click on the categories below to find what you’re looking for:

Self Esteem & Confidence

Motivation & Achievement

Learning & School Grades

Stress & Depression

Money, Careers & The Future

Relationships & Communication

Health & Sport

Bullying & Other Personal Problems

Behaviour & Discipline

Parenting Skills

We are constantly reviewing new books and making suitable recommendations.

Click here to join the Unstoppable Parents Book Club today – It’s totally FREE!

Books

Self Esteem & Confidence

Awaken The Giant Within – by Anthony Robbins

This is one of the top self-help books of all time. It’s the book that my dad discovered in an airport (even though he was a committed non-reader at the time!), and it inspired a transformation in my family that led us to forgive past mistakes and grow in ways we never imagined.

My mum read Awaken The Giant Within, my sister read it, and I read it when I was 19 years old. It’s packed with brilliant ideas, techniques, and activities that make a huge difference to people’s lives. Thank you Tony Robbins for writing this book. You changed our lives, and I dare say many more too.

 

Emotional Intelligence – by Daniel Goleman

Most schools around the world place a disproportionate emphasis on children developing their Intellectual Quotient (IQ). Every parent should know about the contents of this book, and thereby be able help their children develop the essential emotional skills that aren’t being taught in schools but are absolutely necessary for long-term success and happiness to be experienced in life.

Introducing NLP – by Joseph O’Connor & John Seymour

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is a subject I would encourage everyone to study that’s interested in mastering emotions and performance. The subject of NLP has become hugely popular in recent years even though it was first taught during the 1970s.

There are many books about NLP and after reading many of them I found this to be easily understandable, relevant to real life, and very useable.

Motivation & Achievement

The Secret – Rhonda Byrne

This book recently stimulated a worldwide re-awakening to the Law of Attraction. If you want to have a simple strategy for creating the life of your dreams this book is definitely for you.

The author provides many great examples about how to use the power of for your personal benefit. I enjoyed the layout of the book, and the wide variety of experts that contributed to the content made it a compelling read.

The Winner Within – by Pat Riley

A coach that works with the world’s best basketball players and establishes a record for winning games over the course of a career must know something that’s worth knowing.

Whilst I’ve got a passionate interest in sports, I reckon anyone that parents, teaches, manages, or leads other people will learn much from the insights in this book. It’s must read for those who want to help others fulfil their potential.

Living The 80/20 Way – by Richard Koch

We seem to have created a world where there are constant demands being placed on our time and energy. Even though people are doing more and more in less time, many of us still seem to be underachieving, dissatisfied, and unfulfilled. Stress, overwhelm, and anxiety are commonplace.

At one stage in my late twenties, I had allowed my life became incredibly stressful. I’d always worked hard because I love what I do, but I had somehow become weighed down by the daily demands I faced. I was doing lots, but achieving little. I needed to make some changes, and this book helped me re-evaluate, re-prioritise, and reclaim my life.

Learning & School Grades

Smart Talk – by Lou Tice

If a petrol car didn’t work properly because it had been wrongly filled with diesel, we would clean up the mess before ever attempting to start the car and get it moving again.

And so it doesn’t make sense that we often try to get pupils who think negatively about school to improve their performance in school by insisting that they complete more school lessons before first addressing their negative thoughts about school.

It is essential that students learn how to think positively and believe in their abilities if they are to achieve their potential at school. Lou Tice created a fantastic personal development programme that was completed by teachers and students in many schools around the world. I listened to his audiotapes and read this book when I was 18 years old.

I recommend this book to you whole heartedly because it’s full fundamentals that must be mastered by those who want to be successful.

The Evelyn Wood Seven-Day Speed Reading and Learning Program – by Stanley D. Frank, ED. D.

This is the book that accelerated my reading speed and enabled me to learn more in less time. I read it when I was 20 years old, but I wish I’d read it years before because it would have helped me revise more effectively and get better grades in exams.

The Mind Map Book – by Tony & Barry Buzan

I started mind mapping when I was sixteen, and it proved to be a hugely beneficial technique when I was revising for exams. I still use the strategies in this book and I expect I will do so for the rest of my life.

If you want to improve you memory, inject some enjoyment into your learning, and become a more effective student, this book is for you.

Stress & Depression

Man’s Search For Meaning – by Viktor E. Frankl

I read this book when I was 18 years old. It moved me and influenced me in ways I never anticipated.

Viktor Frankl was a Jewish man who found himself in a Nazi contenration camp during World War II. His personal story and the learnings he made during those dark days were quite incredible.

Viktor Frankl inspired me. Never again will I allow my self to be a victim, and never again will I give up the only freedom we have – the freedom to choose our thoughts and give meaning to our experiences.

One day I will visit the place where Viktor was a prisoner of war. I hope you read his book and gain as much from it as I did.

Who Moved My Cheese – by Dr Spencer Johnson

This is and entertaining short story about four mice. As they respond to the challenges in their daily live, you can’t help but learn valuable things about yourself and those around you. I read this book in my mid-twenties… I only wish I’d read it earlier.

Chicken Soup for the Soul – by Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen

I hated reading when I was a child because it used to take me an eternity to finish a book. If only I had discovered Chicken Soup For The Soul at an earlier age!

This book was the first in a range of Chicken Soup books that compiled real life inspirational short stories that leave you smiling. I started reading the Chicken Soup books in my teenage years. Completing one positive story as a lay in bed before turning out my lights was the perfect way to end the day and leave me feeling positive about myself.

Money, Careers & The Future

Affluenza – by Oliver James

I read this book recently and it had big impact on my values. I think every teenager should read it before they enter the ‘real world’ and get caught up in the rat race of earning money so they can purchase more and more unnecessary material goods that fail to bring any degree of lasting fulfillment.

The Automatic Millionaire – by David Bach

Most people want to be wealthy, but a tiny percentage of the population ever reaches financial freedom – not because they can’t, but because they don’t know how to do it. This book helps people overcome financial ignorance and shows how anyone can become rich by taking simply regular steps.

I read The Automatic Millionaire in my early twenties and immediately started to apply the principles it teaches. I love its simplicity, and I believe that if more people had read this book we probably wouldn’t have experienced such a catastrophic global meltdown of our financial systems.

The Rules of Wealth – by Richard Templar

People are often looking for a magical ‘secret’ to achieving financial success, and all too often they over complicate what is a relatively simple game to win.

I love the way this book gives you the rules for becoming wealthy in simple short chapters that are bang on the button. It’s contents aren’t hard understand or difficult to do – All you have to do is play by the rules!

Relationships & Communication

The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People – by Stephen Covey

I started reading this masterpiece when I was 17, and I finished it when I was 18! In my opinion, Stephen Covey writes the truth. The principles he shares in this book are rock solid fundamentals that I believe everyone should learn and live by. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is brilliant – It’s a book that I return to time and time again.

NLP & Relationships – by Robin Prior & Joseph O’Connor

I read this book when I was 23 years old, and there’s rarely been a week that’s passed since when I haven’t used one of the relationship strategies in this book. Whether you want to improve your relationships with your child, lover, friends, or colleagues you’ll find sound guidance in these pages.

Body Language – by Allan Pease

I became fascinated by people’s body language during my teenage years. This book was the best I’ve read on understanding the unconscious messages that people are sharing through their body language, and it’s insight have given me an opportunity to improve my relationships with all kinds of people.

Health & Sport

The Way of the Peaceful Warrior – by Dan Millman

This was one of the first books that truly inspired me and affected my approach to daily life. It’s the story of a young man who thought he knew everything and his elder mentor.

I read The Way of The Peaceful Warrior when I was 17 years old and just starting to explore my own personal development. This book grabbed me, held my attention, and changed me (for the better) forever. I love it, and I recommend it to you.

It’s Not About The Bike – by Lance Armstrong

What a life story! I’m always cautious about placing someone on a pedestal, because all human beings have their imperfection and make mistake. That said, Lance Armstrong’s autobiographical account of surviving cancer and going on to with the Tour de France is filled with valuable lessons and real life inspiration.

I met Lance just after the turn of the Millennium in Portland (Oregon). He was wonderfully warm, sincere, and incredibly open. What he has already achieved is absolutely sensational. I have great respect for this mountain of a man, and I believe that young people around the world can learn much from his never say die approach to life.

Slim 4 Life – by Jason Vale

Don’t get me wrong – I’ve never had a problem with my body weight. I read this book because of its subtitle… “Freedom From The Food Trap.” I, like many people have had my unhealthy food addictions. Particularly to things that contain sugar!

This book showed me how to change my unhealthy habits and genuinely enjoy my new routines. Slim 4 Life is largely about the psychology of health. It helped me understand how I’d become conditioned to eat and drink certain things that weren’t good for me. It also introduced me to Juicing – a practice that has become a part of my weekly routine.

I’ve become great friends with Jason over the last 12 years. You might say that he’s my brother from another mother! I’ve never met anyone with more energy, passion, and desire to make a difference in the world.

If you want to know how to get you and your family to stop consuming junk and start enjoying healthy alternative, please read this or one of Jason’s other books. They are brilliant.

Bullying & Other Personal Problems

How To Win Friends & Influence People – by Dale Carnegie

This book is filled with practical guidance that some people say is common sense. But I find that the ideas the Dale Carnegie shares are very common at all – They just make great sense.
I received a hardback copy of the book when I was attending a personal development seminar at the age of 16. It was a multi-million bestseller several decades before I was even born, and I expect it will still be as relevant as ever 100 years into the future.

I have used the lessons taught in How To Win Friends & Influence People in countless situations throughout my life – On many occasions this knowledge has enabled me to succeed when others doubted my capabilities. Why don’t they teach this stuff in school?

Jonathan Livingston Seagull – by Richard Bach

I read this book when I was 15 years old. I loved it, firstly because it was short and easy to read, which meant I was able to read it quickly… and that made me feel intelligent!

Secondly, and more importantly, I loved the book because it spoke to me. It’s an inspirational short story that gave me the courage to tread my own path and create my own personal identity, rather than conforming to peer pressure and getting lost in the crown. Everybody should read it.

The Celestine Prophecy – by James Redfield

I remember reading this book when I was living in America at the age of 18. It taught me things that enabled me to be at peace with negative things that had happened in my past. It also awakened my perception to things that happen around us all every day.

After reading Celestine Prophecy I never perceived the world the same way again, and let me tell you, that was a very good thing to happen to me! I’m not exaggerating when I say that I probably wouldn’t have had such a fun filled life had I not read this book.

Behaviour & Discipline

Unlimited Power – by Anthony Robbins

This is one of life’s little instruction books! The simplicity and effectiveness of the techniques outlines in Unlimited Power are quite remarkable. After reading this book I knew I could achieve anything I wanted. Perhaps more importantly, I had a set of strategies I knew I had to execute if I was ever going to turn my dreams into a reality.

I Can’ Accept Not Trying – by Michael Jordan

This simple and short book gets right to the point. And when Michael Jordan gets to the point, you kind of have to pay attention because he knows what it takes to be successful.

I was 19 years old when consumed these pages, and Michael’s words still echo in my mind on a regular basis. The things is, this book told me things about personal standards, effort, commitment, and determination that many adults had told me before. But this time, because the advice came from Michael Jordan, I paid attention!

The Book of Secrets – by Robert J. Petro

I received this book as a gift from my dad when I was 19. It follows the experiences of a young Mexican as he transitioned towards adulthood.

The author does a great job of pulling together many principles about dealing with experiencing a happy life and achieving success in spite of the obstacles that may cross your path.

I have very fond memories of turning the pages late at night when I was snuggled in my bed! This was a gift that I will always treasure.

Parenting Skills

Instant Rapport – by Michael Brooks

This is the best book I’ve ever read on how to build trust in relationships. I read the book when I was 18 years old, and I still use its teachings on a daily basis today. If you want to improve your communications and relationship capabilities, you simply have to read Instant Rapport.

Don’t Shoot The Dog – by Karen Pryor

Parents frequently ask me how they can improve their relationship with their teen and motivate their children to do better. I often tell them to read this book. Don’t Shoot The Dog provides readers with easy-to-use techniques that really do make a difference.

If you’ve ever been to one of my residential events or observed me working with teenagers, you’ll probably have seen me using techniques that I learned in this book! Now you know where I got my ideas!

The One Minute Manager – by Kenneth Blanchard & Spencer Johnson

I am one of many millions of people that have read this book. I was 19 years old and in the middle of a round-the-world trip when I bought The One Minute Manager in Hawaii. It taught me many things, not least that it’s vitally important to execute on the simple things when it comes to working and living with other people, because it’s often the simple things that make the biggest difference.

Audio Books

Self Esteem & Confidence

Focus – by Stephen Covey, Hyrum Smith, and Steve Jones

I listened to this audio book over several days whist walking along the beautiful beaches of Mexico. The exercises in the recoding enabled me re-connect with my deepest values and beliefs, which in turn strengthened my self-confidence.

I challenge you to not only listen to this audio book, but also complete the tasks it contains because they can help you take giant steps in a very short period of time.

Motivation & Achievement

The Success Principles – by Jack Canfield

This has to be one of the most thorough audio books I’ve ever listened to on the subject of personal achievement. It’s packed with philosophies and strategies that can help you be happy and successful.

Learning & School Grades

The Power of Intention – by Dr Wayne Dyer

I believe that every child should learn how to use their personal focus to achieve their goals… at school and in life. This audio book will enable you to understand the power of intention, and show you how to use this universal law to achieve great things.

Stress & Depression

The Soul of Healing Meditations – by Deepak Chopra

This recording is truly magical. I must admit that the first time I listened to it I thought it was a bit weird! But now, I don’t go anywhere without taking The Soul of Healing Meditations on my iPod.

Mastering your emotions is an essential skill to learn, and this guided relaxation programme will lead you into a wonderful state of pure relaxation. It didn’t take long for this recording to become part of my weekly routine. Now my mum uses it, my girlfriend loves it, and I bet you’ll get hooked too!

Money, Careers & The Future

Now Discover Your Strengths – Marcus Buckingham & Donald O. Clifton

What a revelation! This audio book enabled me to learn more about myself. It genuinely changed my view about many things – I loved it!

I believe that self-awareness is an important ingredient for success and happiness in life. As such, young people need to know what they’re good at because this will help them make good career decisions. Unfortunately, most schools haven’t yet evolved to the point where all students are given an opportunity to discover their strengths. Thankfully this book gives everyone the opportunity to identify their natural strengths, and understand what direction they can take in the future in order to make best use of those strengths.

Relationships & Communication

The Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People – by Stephen Covey

This is an all-time classic, and essential listening for anyone that wants to experience a fantastic life. I first listened to the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People during my morning workouts when I was 20 years old, and I have revisited the material many times since. It is packed with what I consider to be fundamental concepts that everyone should know, and in my opinion, lead their lives by.

Health & Sport

The Power of Full Engagement – by Tommy Loehr & Tony Schwartz

I listen to this audio book every year and always learn something valuable. Time after time I meet students that want to achieve the best results (and gain all the rewards that go with that), but they don’t give the best of themselves on a daily basis. This recording deals with that issue, and many others. I recommend it to you.

Bullying & Other Personal Problems

Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway – by Susan Jeffers

Life is rarely a smooth ride, and as such, I wish the education system would teach young people how to deal with life’s challenges. Sadly, whilst schools tend to do a very good of talking about common teen problems, they rarely provide effective instruction on how to deal with them. That’s why I encourage parents to listen to this audio book – it will provide you with insights that can help you through challenging situations.

Behaviour & Discipline

How To Be A Complete And Utter Failure In Life, Work, And Everything – by Steve McDermott

The title of this audio book made me chuckle, but the content made me think. It’s full of sound advice that every teenager should know… especially those who are getting themselves into trouble.

Parenting Skills

Social Intelligence – by Daniel Goleman

Every parent should know about the content of this audio book. I listened to this whilst backpacking though Cambodia and I was impressed by the solid research and sound advice. It’s not easy listening, but it’s certainly worthwhile. 

Music

1. Over The Rainbow - Israel Kamamkawiwo’ole

2. The Living Years - Mike & The Mechanics

3. Waiting On The World To Change - John Mayer

4. Man In The Mirror - Michael Jackson

5. The Greatest Love of All - Whitney Housten

6. A Mind of Magic - Queen

7. Hero - Mariah Carey

8. Everbody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) - Buz Luhrmann

9. I’m Still Standing - Elton John

10. - One U2

 

Movies

1. It’s A Wonderful Life

This may be a black and white film, but it is truly brilliant. I first watched It’s A Wonderful Life at the cinema with a group of friends shortly after the Millennium, and I’ve watched it at least once every year since then. You can’t help getting emotionally involved, and if your anything life me, you’ll cry with happiness… and by the end, you’ll be a better person!

2. Dead Poets Society

This movie changed my life. I know that’s a bold statement, but it’s true. When I watched this as a 15 year old I could totally relate to the problems that the main characters were experiencing. There are no special effects, just a rock solid story line and fantastic acting that made me weep. I took the lessons that oozed out of each scene and my life was never the same again. See if it makes you want become a better person and get the most out of each day too.

3. Pay It Forward

A teacher sets a homework assignment, and one child comes up with a genuinely life-changing idea. This roller coaster of a story takes many twists and turns. Some you will like, others you won’t. But in the end, I was left wondering, ‘What would our world be like if everyone actually did pay it forward’?

4. Coach Carter

The world is crowded with adults that moan about the attitude of young people. Every now and again someone stands up and does something about it. Every young person should have a Coach Carter in their life to help them understand what’s really important in life. The fact that this movie was inspired by a true story made it all the more poignant for me. I hope you get as much out of it as I did.

5. Patch Adams

At some point in our lives, we all experience illness, disease, or physical pain. I’m just incredibly grateful that there are people like Patch Adams to take care of us when we’re unwell. How one man can overcome so many challenges and make such a difference in the world is truly uplifting and inspirational. I couldn’t believe that this was a real person’s life story. I laughed and cried in equal measure, but most importantly, I learned positive things about the capabilities of mankind too.

6. Shirley Valentine

How many people get into a routine, and before they know it they’ve sacrificed all their dreams and lost their personal identity? I found this film amongst my dad’s collection when I was 18 years old. I think its target audience may have been middle-aged women, but I still enjoyed it! It made me realise what could happen if I didn’t stay true to myself. It also made me realise that it’s never too late to set goals and be your true self.

7. Life Is Beautiful

After watching this film I knew I really had nothing to complain about in my life. Sure, we all have little bumps that occur along the journey of life, but what the Jewish community went through during World War II makes most of our concerns fade into insignificance. The love and humour shown by the central character it such ghastly circumstances made me want to be a better person. Every now and again a little dose of contrast does much good – Just be sure to have some tissues close at hand.

8. The Secret

This documentary-style film provides interviews with experts and insights into the Law of Attraction. It does a fantastic job of bringing neuroscience to the mainstream, and shows viewers how they can achieve their ambitions. I think The Secret is a must watch for everyone that’s keen to mazimise their potential and create an extraordinary quality of life.

9. Super Size Me

Oh my gosh! If you’ve ever wanted to know what impact eating junk food has on the human body you simply have to watch this real-life documentary. The film follows one man who decides to eat nothing but McDonald’s for one month… You won’t believe what happens!

10. Hitch

One of my friends came home from the cinema and said, ‘Kevin, you are Hitch!’ Obviously I had to go and see the film to see what all the fuss was about! I wasn’t disappointed. This film is much more than just a romantic-comedy. It’s about how some people sit on the sidelines whilst others have the courage to get on with the game of life irrespective of their imperfections. You simply have to see it!