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

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

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

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

Good parenting requires sacrifice. Childhood lasts for only a few brief years , but it should be given priority while it is passing before your eyes

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

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

Criticism is not a motivator.

You cannot reason with someone who is being unreasonable.

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

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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

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

(T.T. – Byron)