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

Parenting style matters - a lot!

The challenge of adolescence is to balance the right of the parents to feel they are in charge with the need of the adolescent to gain independence.

The quickest way to change your child’s behaviour is to first change your own.

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

Good parenting requires sacrifice. Childhood lasts for only a few brief years , but it should be given priority while it is passing before your eyes

Whining and crying are employed by kids for the purpose of getting something. If it works, then it was worth the effort and will be repeated.

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.

If you (parents) tend to overreact to your child's misbehaviour - your child learns that he can't trust you. Mom, Dad, stay regulated!

The mistake that Sharon and I both made is we never set any boundaries.  (Ozzy Osbourne)

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So what is the best advice regarding meds for ADD/ADHD?

James Garbarino (a noted  American psychologist) answers that question this way: “When prescribed for very specific conditions after a thorough exploration of psychological and social conditions in the child’s life, and with appreciation that the principal interventions needed for such children are behavioural and intellectual, some drugs make sense. However, the overall pattern in the western world does not generally meet these standards. There is too much prescription, too little in-depth diagnosis, too little effort […]

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First Day of School

  “Back To School” sales are just around the corner and legions of little children will soon begin “Big School”. This can be a stressful time for both the child and the parents. Before your child starts school, it is helpful if your child can independently: do up his own shoes put on and take off his coat take care of toilet business – clothes, flush, wash blow his nose use a knife, fork & […]

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Sibling Rivalry

Sibling rivalry has existed as long as we’ve had siblings! In Biblical times we had Cain and Abel, Joseph and his brother problems. In children’s stories we have Cinderella. It seems that rivalry naturally follows the word sibling despite the fact that there are many solid sibling relationships within families. Conflict between siblings isn’t unique to humans either. It happens in just about every animal species that raises several young at the same time although […]

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Phobias

Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder usually defined as a persistent fear of an object or situation typically disproportional to the actual danger posed. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of phobias  (see – www.phobialist.com). Some of the more common ones are: dogs                                  Cynophobia Friday 13                         […]

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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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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

“Rick’s approach is so logical. He helped us clearly define the problem, analyze what has happened and select the best strategy. We now feel empowered to do something positive for our kid”

(A.N. – Tillsonburg)