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

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

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

Children fare better when expectations on them are clear and firm.

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.

Parenting style matters - a lot!

It's more effective to reward your child for being "good" (appropriate) than to punish him for being "bad" (inappropriate).

It is what we say and do when we're angry that creates the very model our children will follow when dealing with their own frustrations.

Children do not develop on their own - they only develop within relationships.

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

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Ritalin – the good, the bad and the ugly

Next – the ugly The abuse potential for stimulant medications are real. When used in the doctor prescribed manner and dosage there is little danger in this regard, however when “snorted” the effects are reported to be similar to snorting cocaine. In fact cocaine and methylphenidate (Ritalin) are very closely related. Larger doses give feelings of: euphoria more energy / power sense of power mental sharpness As the effects wear off there is: heightened fatigue […]

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Ritalin – the good, the bad and the ugly

First the Good – the following is a list of commonly observed behavioural changes when a child with ADD/ADHD begins using a stimulant medication (eg. Ritalin, Concerta, Dexedrine, Adderall) decreased motor activity decreased aggression decreased defiance less impulsive makes fewer careless mistakes grades improve more compliant improved relationships improved concentration improved attitude The “experts” really don’t understand exactly how stimulant medications work but it appears to alter the neurochemical functioning of the brain, especially the […]

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Handling a “Manipulative” Tantrum

don’t give in unless your original demand/denial is unreasonable if it is unreasonable, be prepared to change your mind you must send a message that tantrums don’t work if you give in, you are reinforcing tantrums your attitude should be “firm” do not be too sympathetic – avoid saying “I’m sorry you’re upset and crying, perhaps you can have a lollipop later” but rather “You cannot have a lollipop, that’s all there is to it” […]

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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

“Our daughter was the joy of our life until she turned 13, then all hell broke loose. Rick helped us understand what was happening to her and we made some adjustments that helped us get through it. She’s now in University and doing well.”

(D.A. – St. Thomas)