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Parents are the external regulator for kids who cannot regulate themselves.

The teenage years require a delicate balance between the young person's need to gain independence, and the parent's need to retain authority.

Many clinicians find it easier to tell parents their child has a brain-based disorder than suggest parenting changes. Jennifer Harris (psychiatrist)

Some hope their children will be like sponges soaking up the truth and wisdom imparted by their parents. However appealing this philosophy might be, it seldom seems to catch on with their children.

The best inheritance  parents can give their children is a few minutes of their time each day.

Children do not develop on their own - they only develop within relationships.

Early intervention is always better than crisis management - but it is never too late to do the right thing.

"Rules without relationship leads to rebellion" (Josh McDowell)

Removing a child from a traumatic environment does not remove the trauma from the child's memory.

When a child is disregulated - is the time parents need to be regulated.

Learn more.

Upcoming Workshop (Teenage Brain)

I will be presenting a workshop open to the public on October 22, 6:30-9:30 at the Woodstock campus of Fanshawe College. The title of the workshop is “A Parent’s Guide to the Teenage Brain”

A teenager’s brain is not just an adult brain with fewer kilometres on it. It is a brain that is not fully developed. It is a work in progress and has stymied parents for centuries. Modern science is now explaining biological reason why:

– teens can seem so mature one minute and so maddening the next

– some struggle and some bloom

– they engage in risky behaviour (booze, drugs, sex, etc.)

– they can’t get out of bed before noon on the weekend

– he/she won’t talk to you anymore

– they slam doors

Science is tiptoeing on the edge of understanding the teenage brain and the science is changing fast. Understanding the teen brain can lead to smoother relationships between parents and their kids.

Contact Fanshawe College Woodstock by phone (519) 421-0144 or online (fanshawec.ca/oxford) to register. The cost is $41.50

 

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Workshops

+ Behaviour Management (now available online)

This full day or 2 evening workshop will introduce you […]

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+ Lick Your Kids

  “Lick Your Kids” (figuratively not literally) (2 hours) First […]

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+ A Parent’s Guide to the Teenage Brain

  A teenager’s brain is not just an adult brain […]

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+ Reading Rescue

A program for children with reading problems

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+ Taming a Toddler

Many parents wonder what hit them when their sweet little baby turns into an unreasonable toddler – ideas for dealing with mealtime, bedtime, temper tanturms, toilet training, noncompliance, etc.

Learn more

See more of our workshops


Contact

2720 Rath Street, Putnam, Ontario
NOL 2BO

Phone: (519) 485-4678
Fax: (519) 485-0281

Email: info@rickharper.ca

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Parents' Comments

“Our daughter was the joy of our life until she turned 13, then all hell broke loose. Rick helped us understand what was happening to her and we made some adjustments that helped us get through it. She’s now in University and doing well.”

(D.A. – St. Thomas)