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

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

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

Early intervention is always better than crisis management - but it is never too late to do the right thing.

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

Parenting style matters - a lot!

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

"Cutting" is a visible sign to the world that you are hurting.

Children today are under enormous pressures rarely experienced by their parents or grandparents. Many of today's children are being enticed to grow up too quickly and are encountering challenges for which they are totally unprepared.

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.

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What Does a Child With ADHD Look Like?

It is not unusual for children to forget their homework, act impulsively or fidget at the dinner table. but children with ADHD are particularly prone to these types of behaviour. It can be however, difficult to distinguish between ADHD and normal childhood tendencies. If you identify a few of the following traits or  the symptoms only occur in some situations, it’s probably not ADHD. However if you see a number of symptoms in different situations, it would be a wise decision to have an evaluation by a qualified professional.

Symptoms

  • can’t sit still
  • impulsive
  • distractible
  • distracting
  • inattentive
  • disregard rules
  • doesn’t seem to learn from mistakes
  • major school problems
  • causes stress within families
  • few friends – “bugs” others
  • punishments and rewards seem ineffective
  • noncompliant
  • extreme mood swings
  • few inhibitions
  • dreamer
  • fidgets
  • noisy , talks excessively
  • fingers, legs constantly wiggling
  • interrupts conversations
  • invades others space
  • asks irrelevant questions
  • others view child as disrespectful, needy
  • blurts out answers
  • can’t wait
  • difficulty finishing assignments
  • disorganized
  • “careless” mistakes
  • procrastinations
  • forgetful
  • squirming
  • running and climbing when it is inappropriate
  • loud
  • always on the go
  • trouble participating in sedentary activities (ie. circle time at school)
  • impatient
  • difficulty delaying gratification
  • unaware of danger
  • not listening to instructions

It is vitally important to remember that your child is not doing these behaviours on purpose. They are happening because of the way his/her brain is working. Help is available for the child and parents.

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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

“We were so naive. We thought our son’s poor behaviour was just a phase he was passing through. Thankfully you led us ‘out of the wilderness'”

(N.S. – London)