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Adolescence can be the cruelest place on earth. It can really be heartless.  ( Tori Amos)

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

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

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

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

If there is no relationship - nothing else matters !

Don't wait for him to turn 10 before you reveal that you are not in fact the hired help whose job it is to clean up after him.

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

"The thing that impresses me most about North America is the way parents obey their children"    (King Edward VII , 1841-1910)

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.

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Depression – What It Is & What It Is Not

Depression is not: – a sign of weakness – a punishment for past wrongs – a flaw in a person’s character or  personality – the young person’s fault       It is an illness that results in: – emotional changes – physical changes – cognitive changes – behavioural changes         HOW COMMON IS IT ? – between 5-15% of all older children &  teens – a high school with 1000 students […]

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The Golden rules of Temper Tantrums

Tantrums are a normal part of a child’s development. Always remember the boy Scouts motto: Be Prepared. Never look around at the faces of those people watching you when your child is having a tantrum in public. The more involved you are with your child’s tantrum, the longer it will last. Remember to catch him being good as often as you can. Understand that all children want their parents’ love and attention. Move on and […]

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Depression – the stress “triggers”

  THE STRESS “TRIGGERS”   “Bad” things happen to kids                   – 1/2 of Canadian families go through divorce                   – 1/4 of Canadian women report having been sexually abused                   – parents, siblings, friends die   The overwhelmingly majority of children are remarkably resilient and emerge from the “bad” things relatively unscathed.   Those predisposed to anxiety and depression sometimes develop major depression after a stressful event.       Studies with animals corroborate […]

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Consequencing Teenagers

Identifying and following through on appropriate consequences is a major part of the job description for parents of teenagers. A consequence for inappropriate behaviour typically involves one of two options: a) removing a desirable (example – removal of computer privileges) b) adding an undesirable (example – adding a chore) Removing something the teen wants is usually more effective and easier to administer and monitor than adding something he/she doesn’t want. An effective consequence must involve […]

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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

“We are foster parents who took in a 13 year old girl (going on 18!) and she ran us through the wringer. Rick helped us learn how to set limits that made the difference.”

(G.E. – Strathroy)