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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.

"To be a man, a boy must see a man."  (J.R. Moehringer)

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

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

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.

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.

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

When a child is disregulated - is the time parents need to be regulated.

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.

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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School and the FASD Child

School demands (behaviour and academics) can be overwhelming for a child with FASD. In my opinion behaviour should take precedence over academics. It is possible that the sights, sounds and human dynamics within the school may be too stimulating for the child. Expect rules to be have to be taught , retaught and retaught  some more.  It will probably be beneficial for the child to sit near the teacher and he will probably  take a […]

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Depression & Anxiety Disorder in Teens

ANXIETY DISORDER IS A STRONG PREDICTOR OF DEPRESSION   “Depression” is mourning the “past” or “present”. “Anxiety” is fearing the “”future”.   “Anxiety” is a normal  and useful reaction and warns us to be careful:                                     – wear a seatbelt                                     – use a bike helmut                                     – designated driver                                     – hold a child’s hand when crossing a street   Worries and fears that interfere with “normal” life and routines are anxiety disorders   […]

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Caregiving – FASD (part 3)

3 steps to managing children with FASD a) Recognize that FASD is a medical condition – FASD is not a bad attitude – it must be treated as a medical condition – society has denied this reality of FASD and blames the indivivual – “just sit down and behave” is unrealistic – punishing a child with FASD for brain damage is useless – society (homes, schools, treatment centres, hospitals, jail) seldom provide adequate     […]

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FASD Caregivers (part 2) – often times an invisible handicap

Often times individuals with FASD do not display the physical features associated with FASD. Their appearance does not  give any hint of the neurological problems that are hidden. Individuals with invisible handicaps are: easy to forget about their limitations easy to not provide compassion, understanding and forgiveness Children and adults with FASD need incredible amounts of: consistency reinforcement creativity time compassion understanding perseverance forgiveness repetition The more dysfunctional – the more of EVERYTHING

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FASD – What Can a Caregiver Do? (part 1)

It is easy for us to to fail to recognize and respect the struggle and courage it takes for someone with FASD to make it through the day! We must remember: that irreversible brain damage occurred before birth FASD individuals will not “will power” their way out of it caregivers cannot “love” their way out of it children with FASD are difficult to rear and teach BUT IT IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE

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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

“I am no longer overwhelmed with a child who has unending discipline and behaviour problems.”

(P.S. – London)