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

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

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

Parents are the external regulator for kids who cannot regulate themselves.

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.

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.

Don't wait for him to turn 10 before you reveal that you are not in fact the hired help whose job it is to clean up after him.

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

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

Children do not develop on their own - they only develop within relationships.

Learn more.

Depression in Young People (part 2)

 

Robin Williams apparently had several “demons” tormenting him:

  • ADHD
  • substance abuse
  • depression
  • bipolar
  • obsessive compulsive

and he finally could take it no more and he ended his life several days ago.

Experts estimate that approximately 25% of all women will experience clinical depression in their lifetime and 15% of all men. A typical high school of 1000 students is likely to have 100 kids suffer depression each year.

Depression in young people was not identified by psychiatrists until 1989 but it is now the opinion of some experts that the rate of depression in young people exceeds the rate in adults

There is often a difference in symptoms of depression between adults and teens making diagnosis more difficult for young people:

Typical Symptoms of Depression in Adults:

  • tend to be sad
  • stay sad
  • sleep less
  • eat less
  • decrease in libido
  • no change in anxiety
  • no change in physical problems

Frequent Symptoms of Depression in Teens

  • tend to be angry, irritable, act out
  • cycles in & out frequently
  • sleep more
  • eat more
  • libido seldom impaired
  • increased anxiety
  • complains of somatic symptoms

The increased irritability for teenager suffering depression results in frequent family conflicts and the important question that needs to be addressed is “are the symptoms just teenage angst or depression”

THE GOOD NEWS –  recovery rate for single episode depression is high

THE BAD NEWS – each episode increases the risk for another

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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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“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”

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