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

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

If it  was going to be easy to raise kids, it never would have started with something called "labour".

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

"Moody" and "unpredictable" are adjectives parents will often use when referring to their teenagers.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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Trauma in Children

It is estimated that 40% of North American children will have at least one potentially traumatizing experience by the time they are 18 years old including: – death of a parent or sibling – ongoing abuse – physical, mental, sexual – serious accident – natural disaster – witnessing domestic violence – violent crime How adults respond to children during and after traumatic events can make an enormous difference in the eventual outcome – both for […]

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Teen Issues 1

Parents of teenagers face numerous issues and struggles. It is no wonder they become discouraged, overwhelmed, angry or confused. Rick has ideas how to help.  disrespectful attitude towards parents, family and others challenges requests or rules self-absorbed unable to see things from another’s perspective lazy and careless about responsibilities has a negative attitude toward school is emotionally withdrawn and distant picks friends of whom parents disapprove erupts in anger for minor reasons lacks motivation for […]

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Young & Bipolar

YOUNG & BIPOLAR   Bipolar = episodes of extraordinary energy and racing grandiose thoughts alternating with periods of    deep, perplexing depression (manic depressive)                     Manic state:                                     – great energy                                     – unrealistic “highs”                                     – go without sleep for days                                     – rapid speech, flipping topics                                     – intensely focus on activities or projects to the detriment of everything else                                     – marked increase in sexual interests- risky sex,  masturbating                                     – […]

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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

“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)