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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

The quickest way to change your child’s behaviour is to first change your own.

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

Simple rules adhered to when children are young can prevent more serious problems later.

The best inheritance  parents can give their children is a few minutes of their time each day.

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

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

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.

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

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

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ADHD and Executive Function

Most species of animals do not have the capability of planning for the future. They are unable to “self talk”. They react on impulse and are not able to evaluate their past actions rationally. Humans however do have this capability. It is called “executive function” and it gives us the option of modulating our behaviour. No single part of the human brain is solely in charge of this modulation, however it does appear that our frontal and prefrontal lobes  function as our “CEO”.

One of the most important functions of this part of our brain is to “inhibit” (put on the brakes). Successful execution of a plan largely involves putting brakes on distracting activities. These brakes  – courtesy of our inhibitory centers – allow us the luxury of TIME during which we can consider our options before reacting.

People with ADHD have a problem with INHIBITION (putting on the brakes)

  • unable to adequately inhibit distraction
  • unable to inhibit impulsive reactions
  • unable to inhibit physically reacting to stimuli
  • unable to inhibit their behaviour long enough for other executive functions to operate

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Workshops

+ Behaviour Management (now available online)

This full day or 2 evening workshop will introduce you […]

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+ Lick Your Kids

  “Lick Your Kids” (figuratively not literally) (2 hours) First […]

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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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+ Taming a Toddler

Many parents wonder what hit them when their sweet little baby turns into an unreasonable toddler – ideas for dealing with mealtime, bedtime, temper tanturms, toilet training, noncompliance, etc.

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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)