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Some hope their children will be like sponges soaking up the truth and wisdom imparted by their parents. However appealing this philosophy might be, it seldom seems to catch on with their children.

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

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

If you (parents) tend to overreact to your child's misbehaviour - your child learns that he can't trust you. Mom, Dad, stay regulated!

Being a parent of a teenager can cure a person of narcissism.

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

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

"The thing that impresses me most about North America is the way parents obey their children"    (King Edward VII , 1841-1910)

Hurt people hurt people.

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

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Depression in Young People

The recent death of Robin Williams by an apparent suicide has once again brought the issue of depression to the forefront. 20 years ago depression was not diagnosed in young people. Today, experts recognize that it affects a significant percentage of  preteens and teens.

Depression is not:

  • a sign of weakness
  • a punishment for past wrongs
  • a flaw in a person’s character or personality
  • the young person’s fault

It is an illness that results in:

  • emotional changes
  • physical changes
  • cognitive changes
  • behavioural changes

There is no definitive diagnostic test for depression. Diagnosis is made by “talking” to people. “Talking” is not a great way to diagnose and illness, but it is all the psychiatrist has.

Depression in adults is relatively easy to diagnose:

  • there is a pronounced change in mood
  • the mood persists
  • adults usually acknowledge the problem
  • adults have some mature insights
  • they are usually motivated to “fix” it

Depression in young people is harder to diagnose:

  • is she depressed or just being a teenager?
  • he cycles frequently: depressed, happy, depressed, happy  . .
  • rarely asks to see a psychiatrist
  • usually reluctant to see a therapist
  • denies there is a problem

Depression in young people is probably under diagnosed and therefore untreated – causing much unnecessary misery

 

 

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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

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

(P.S. – London)