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

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

Parenting style matters - a lot!

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.

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

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

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

It's more effective to reward your child for being "good" (appropriate) than to punish him for being "bad" (inappropriate).

The mistake that Sharon and I both made is we never set any boundaries.  (Ozzy Osbourne)

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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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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+ 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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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

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

(P.S. – London)