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We should not medicate the boys so they fit the school; we should change the school to fit the boy. (Leonard Sax, M.D. Ph.D)

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

Relationships matter:  change comes through forming trusting relationships. People, not programs change people.

Criticism is not a motivator.

"Unexpressed feeling never die. They are buried alive and come back later in ugly ways." (Stephen Covey)

Hurt people hurt people.

Wouldn't it be nice if children would simply listen and learn.

There has been an explosion in the prescribing of medication for very young children, particularly preschool and kindergarten boys (Juli Zito , Univ. of Maryland)

Setting limits teaches your children valuable skills they will use the rest of their lives. One day, they will report to a job where their ability to follow rules will dictate their success.

"Cutting" is a visible sign to the world that you are hurting.

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Book launch – “The Promise” – a must read for foster/adoptive parents

I had the privilege of attending the launch of a new book that should be read by all adoptive and foster parents (actually all parents). Written by an adoptive mother (Christen Shepherd) and a support worker (Lisa Highfield), this book deals with the arrival of 4 needy children into the Shepherd home and chronicles their story from chaos to hope. A paragraph written by Christen near the end of the book is worth sharing here […]

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Upcoming Workshop

Fanshawe College (Tillsonburg campus) is offering the workshop “A Parent’s Guide to the Teenage Brain” on Monday, May 12, 6:30-9:30. Registration for this course can be made by calling Fanshawe (519) 421-0144.   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 has not fully developed. It is a work in progress and has stymied parents for […]

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Crash Test Mommy/Daddy

I had an opportunity last week to present the workshop “Crash Test Mommy/Daddy” to the parents and staff of Acorn Christian Day Care in London. This 2 hour workshop is filled with time tested strategies for dealing with issues with real kids by real parents. Thanks to all who attended. If your group would be interested in a similar workshop simply go to the contact link on this page and send me an e-mail and […]

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Brain Fact # 15 (my last for this year)

This is the last week of classes for the CYW students at the Woodstock campus of Fanshawe College. I want to thank you for a wonderful semester as your questions, interest and enthusiasm for learning has been good for stimulating my brain. I wish you all the best as you continue your journey. Keep on learning (for my regular followers of this blog, I will be periodically  including a Q & A section, so feel […]

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Did You Know ? # 14

Consistent small rewards for small achievements work much better than large rewards for big goals, especially for younger children. Growing up under conditions of deprivation can damage children’s brains

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Workshops

+ Behaviour Management (now available online)

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

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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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+ A Guided Tour of ADHD (now available online)

This workshop will present the facts, myths, misconceptions, controversy and […]

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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 psychiatrist recommended Rick to help us sort out behaviour management issues for our autistic son. He was an invaluable help.”

(C.C. – Sarnia)