welcome image

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)

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

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

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.

The more 2 parents differ in their approaches to discipline, the more likely it leads to trouble for the child.

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

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

The teenage years require a delicate balance between the young person's need to gain independence, and the parent's need to retain authority.

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

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

Learn more.

First Day of School

 

“Back To School” sales are just around the corner and legions of little children will soon begin “Big School”. This can be a stressful time for both the child and the parents. Before your child starts school, it is helpful if your child can independently:

  • do up his own shoes
  • put on and take off his coat
  • take care of toilet business – clothes, flush, wash
  • blow his nose
  • use a knife, fork & spoon
  • wait for attention
  • take turns
  • share
  • return toys, etc. to rightful place
  • recognize his own belongings
  • recognize his name in print
  • make his needs known
  • follow simple instructions
  • appropriately use pencils, crayons, markers,paintbrush, scissors, glue, etc.
  • recognize and name the letters of the alphabet
  • knows and recognizes the numbers to 10
  • can count objects to 10
  • knows the basic colours: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and black
  • knows the basic shapes: circle, triangle, square, rectangle
  • knows basic coins: nickel, dime, quarter

The bottom line is, your child will benefit most from his first months at school if he is able to take care of his personal needs with a minimal amount of assistance.

Back to Top

Workshops

+ Behaviour Management (now available online)

This full day or 2 evening workshop will introduce you […]

Learn more

+ A Parent’s Guide to the Teenage Brain

  A teenager’s brain is not just an adult brain […]

Learn more

+ Reading Rescue

A program for children with reading problems

Learn more

+ A Guided Tour of ADHD (now available online)

This workshop will present the facts, myths, misconceptions, controversy and […]

Learn more

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

Archive


Parents' Comments

“You have changed our life! Thanks, it needed changing!”

(T.N. – London)