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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.

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

Criticism is not a motivator.

"Rules without relationship leads to rebellion" (Josh McDowell)

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

Early intervention is always better than crisis management - but it is never too late to do the right thing.

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

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

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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Security Blankets

Many toddlers and preschoolers have a special blanket or stuffed toy that is very important to them. Researchers have found that these security items are appropriately named because they actually do provide a feeling of security for children. Approximately 60% of young children do have an attachment to a comforting blanket or toy. Children eventually outgrow their need for such items and parents should not force their child to give them up before they are […]

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Mom’s Manifesto

This was taken from Kirk Martin’s newsletter (www.celebrate calm.com) and is worthy to pass on to parents who are being “stretched” by the attitudes and behaviour of their teenage children. Mom’s Manifesto for Personal and Family Sanity (what I will do and what I’ll stop doing) 1. I will stop telling you what you should do and dumping my anxiety about your future on you. It’s your life, not mine, and you’re very capable of […]

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Violent Video Games

    The following is a scene from Grand Theft Auto : Vice City. It is a first person game where the player controls all the characters and is awarded points for behaving in certain ways. You steal a geek’s Corvette and speed along Miami’s roadways. You turn up the volume on the car’s radio. You see a pretty woman standing beside the road and slam on the brakes. She walks over to your car, […]

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Teen Suicide

Statistics: 1. suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds (after car accidents) 2. for every suicide completion, there are between 100 and 200 attempts 3. 15% of teens report suicide ideation Myths: a) young people rarely think about suicide – FALSE b) talking about suicide will give young people the idea or permission to consider suicide – FALSE c) suicide is sudden and unpredictable – FALSE d) suicidal […]

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ADHD in the Classroom

Many children with ADHD are in constant motion. Classroom settings pose a particular problem for them as they wiggle, squirm, talk out and annoy their neighbours. It is important for teachers and parents to understand that these behaviours are not the result of the children intentionally  choosing to behave in this way. It is an expression of a brain-based biological imbalance of their neurotransmitters. Sitting quietly, without moving for period of time is beyond their […]

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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 psychiatrist recommended Rick to help us sort out behaviour management issues for our autistic son. He was an invaluable help.”

(C.C. – Sarnia)