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Many clinicians find it easier to tell parents their child has a brain-based disorder than suggest parenting changes. Jennifer Harris (psychiatrist)

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

If there is no relationship - nothing else matters !

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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.

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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

“Our daughter was the joy of our life until she turned 13, then all hell broke loose. Rick helped us understand what was happening to her and we made some adjustments that helped us get through it. She’s now in University and doing well.”

(D.A. – St. Thomas)