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

The challenge of adolescence is to balance the right of the parents to feel they are in charge with the need of the adolescent to gain independence.

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

Hurt people hurt people.

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

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

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

Criticism is not a motivator.

Setting limits teaches your children valuable skills they will use the rest of their lives. One day, they will report to a job where their ability to follow rules will dictate their success.

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

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What are the Side Effects of Stimulant Medications?

 

 

These are the reported possible side effects of stimulant medications. Certainly not all are likely to happen and those that do may subside in time.

  • decreased appetite
  • weight loss
  • failure to grow
  • insomnia
  • dizziness & drowsiness
  • increase in motor and/or vocal tics
  • increased heart rate
  • increased blood pressure
  • nausea
  • headaches
  • allergic reactions
  • nervousness
  • excitement
  • may activate latent epilepsy or glaucoma
  • tolerance develops
  • feels “funny”
  • effects on pregnancy unknown
  • presence in breast milk unknown
  • may interact with other drugs
  • “rebound” – behaviour worsens when drug wears off

It is understandable that this list would scare parents but you must also remember there are considerable  risks for not taking the medications.  It becomes a balancing act of  risk / benefits. Your doctor is the best source of advice.

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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)