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"Parents aren't the cause of ADHD, but they are part of the solution." (Kenny Handleman, M.D.)

Hurt people hurt people.

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

The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice. (Peggy O'Mara)

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

Children mimic well. They catch what they see better than they follow what they hear.

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

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

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)

Parenting style matters - a lot!

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Developmental Tasks During Adolescence

DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS DURING ADOLESCENTS

1) adjust to physical changes
2) separate from their parents
3) develop a social network
4) begin to focus on educational and vocational objectives
5) develop a sexual identity
 
 
All of the above is a lot to expect in the few short years of adolescence  = STRESS
 
 
STRESS HAS A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON PARTS OF THE BRAIN
INVOLVED IN THE REGULATION AND CONTROL OF EMOTIONS
 
 
 
STRESSFUL EVENTS ARE AMONG THE STRONGEST PRECIPITANTS OF INITIAL EPISODES OF MAJOR DEPRESSION
 
 
 
DEPRESSION IS A MALFUNCTION OF STRESS MANAGEMENT !
 
 

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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

“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)