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

It is what we say and do when we're angry that creates the very model our children will follow when dealing with their own frustrations.

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

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

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

We should not medicate the boys so they fit the school; we should change the school to fit the boy. (Leonard Sax, M.D. Ph.D)

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.

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

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

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Diagnostic Criteria for Depression

DIAGNOSTIC CRITERIA for MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
DSM-IV

 
Presence of 5 or more of the following during the same 2  week period and represent a change from  previous functioning.
a) depressed mood most of the day, nearly every  day
 
b) markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all or  almost all activities
 
c) significant change in weight or appetite – either  increase or decrease
 
d) insomnia
 
e) agitation nearly every day
 
f) fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day
 
g) feelings of worthlessness
 
h) diminished ability to think or concentrate
 
i) recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation or suicide  attempt
 
 
The symptoms must not be due to another mental illness or be the effects of drugs or medical illness. They must cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.
 
 
 
THERE IS NO DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSTIC
TEST FOR DEPRESSION

 
Diagnosis is made by “talking” to people – it is not a great way to diagnose an illness – but it’s all the psychiatrist has !

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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

“Implementing Rick’s techniques and adhering to them is exhausting, but it is a healthy exhaustion rather than the detrimental exhaustion I used to experience.”

(B.F. – Woodstock)