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

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.

Removing a child from a traumatic environment does not remove the trauma from the child's memory.

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

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

Children today are under enormous pressures rarely experienced by their parents or grandparents. Many of today's children are being enticed to grow up too quickly and are encountering challenges for which they are totally unprepared.

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

"Cutting" is a visible sign to the world that you are hurting.

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.

A tantruming toddler is a little ball of writhing muscle and incredible strength. It's like trying to carry a greased pig past a slop bucket.

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What Does Depression in Young People Look Like?

The following is an excerpt from a book by Carol Fitzpatrick and John Sharry. Case Study: “Debbie, aged 13, has not been to school for 8 weeks. She got the flu 3 months ago and was out of school for a week. She was determined to get back as quickly as possible as she is a conscientious student who works very hard and who likes to be and expects to be at the top of […]

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Myths vs Facts – Suicide

MYTH VERSUS FACT Knowing truth from fiction can make the difference! Myth: Teens who talk about suicide never do. Fact: Most of the time, people who attempt suicide have   provided significant clues to their intentions.   Myth: Nothing can stop someone once he has decided  to take his own life. Fact: Most adolescents who contemplate suicide are torn. They are in pain and want their suffering to end.  They don’t necessarily want to die […]

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Recommendations for Parents of Children with ADD/ADHD

Insist upon a proper evaluation – one that takes account of all aspects of your child’s life – medical social academic psychological Consider ALL avenues of treatment – academic, psychosocial medical alternative Do not feel guilty about using medication if you feel confident in the medical evaluation and the advice you have received Do not be intimidated by “political correctness” Consider life style choices – social, economic Know your educational rights

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Recommendations for schools regarding children with ADD/ADHD

Whenever possible, special needs children will do better within regular classrooms Putting more adults in a classroom (ie. EA’s, volunteers, etc.) is good for all children, but especially those who need more immediate feedback and attention. Traditionally arranged classroom furniture can provide more structure than the “open” concept. Establish, destigmatize and encourage the use of quiet spaces in the classroom Standards must be tailored to individual children’s capabilities ADHD/ADD children generally do better with a […]

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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)