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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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.
Phone: (519) 485-4678
Fax: (519) 485-0281
“Our psychiatrist recommended Rick to help us sort out behaviour management issues for our autistic son. He was an invaluable help.”
(C.C. – Sarnia)
