Thomas Gordon was an American psychologist and educator, best known for developing the concept of Parent Effectiveness Training (PET) in the 1960s. His work focused on improving communication and relationships between parents and children, emphasizing the importance of listening and understanding in parenting. Gordon's approach aimed to empower parents with skills to resolve conflicts and foster cooperation without resorting to punishment. He authored several books, including "Parent Effectiveness Training," which became influential in the fields of psychology and education, promoting positive parenting techniques and effective communication strategies.