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

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

Children mimic well. They catch what they see better than they follow what they hear.

If there is no relationship - nothing else matters !

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

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.

When a child is disregulated - is the time parents need to be regulated.

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

"To be a man, a boy must see a man."  (J.R. Moehringer)

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.

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Temper Tantrums (6 years and beyond)

Tantrums by older children can be very unpleasant and all of the behaviours can be expected. Because of the child’s increasing size and strength, there may be a danger to themselves, others and property. It is wise to get specific and professional help to deal with problems of this magnitude.

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Temper Tantrums (3 years to 6 years old)

Children of this age are capable of putting on a great show including screaming, crying, protesting, swearing, making demands, physical resistance, throwing objects, spitting, hitting, biting, scratching, etc. “Redirection”, “extinction”, and “wait outs” continue to be appropriate responses by parents but it is also  worth considering “time without reinforcement” (time out) and “withdrawal of privileges”. “Tracking” continues to be a useful strategy to use during those teachable moments. Next post – dealing with tantrums by […]

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Temper Tantrums (18 months to 3 years)

A tantrum from a child this age becomes more dramatic. Expect screaming, crying, protest, slamming toys and doors, throwing objects, self injurious behaviours and lying on the ground with flailing arms and legs. The most effective and appropriate responses by the parent of a child this age are “redirection”, “extinction”, and “wait out”. For safety reason, stay within eyesight of the child. The “teachable moment” is not during the tantrum but sometime after you and […]

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Tantrums (9 months to 18 months)

Temper tantrums should be expected to begin at this age. There will be a sudden explosion of tears and crying. He may throw himself to the ground, stiffen his body and clench his fist. You should attempt to determine the child’s “goal” for the tantrum. If his “goal” is reasonable (eg. hunger, boredom, discomfort, etc.) you should instruct the child in more appropriate methods by which he can achieve his goal and reinforce his future […]

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Parenting a FASD Child (age 5-7 years)

The main developmental task for this aged child is to develop confidence to attempt new things. Guidelines for Caregivers give age appropriate knowledge of FASD to the child be ready for problems to intensify as his world expands routine, consistency, help & repetition remain key problems for siblings increase – eg. embarrassment, stealing, fighting “subtle” lessons on social skills are ineffective medication MAY soften some behaviour problems sports may serve as an outlet discipline needs […]

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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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“I wish we had found Rick 2 years ago. We could have saved ourselves and our son a lot of trouble.”

(T.T. – Byron)